In the shadow of perceived threat: The live experience of Iranian patients candidate for undergoing coronary angiography

Coronary angiography (CAG) is a stressful event for many patients. This article aimed to explore the Iranian patients' experiences of undergoing CAG. In this qualitative study that is a substudy of a larger study, 15 patients (seven men and eight women) with a mean age of 49.8 ± 11.6 years were recruited from three hospitals in Shiraz, southwest Iran. Data were collected using semistructured, face-to-face interview before undergoing CAG. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Perceived threat of patients included two themes: being under pressure and anxiety. Patients undergoing CAG experience psychological problems that can threaten them in catheterization laboratory. Health professionals are required to help and prepare this patient for an invasive CAG. To minimize the psychological problems of patients undergoing CAG, nurses and physicians should perform some supportive interventions in their care plan.