Introduction

Sexuality has been present throughout the life of the human being including aspects such as sexual activity, identity, roles, orientation, eroticism, etc. People who have suffered an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) sexuality is affected by psychological, physical and even social factors. Therefore, the main purpose of this research is to describe the meaning of sexuality from someone has suffered AMI from a phenomenological perspective.

Method:

Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach, which sample consisted of 19 people who suffered acute infarction of the myocardium and who were treated by the emergency department or internal medicine of an institution of fourth level of complexity in the city of Bucaramanga (Colombia). In-depth interviews were applied and coded using the Atlas.ti 6.1 version. The analysis was carried out using the Colaizzi model.

Results

The sexuality of the person who has suffered an acute infarction of the myocardium is associated with multiple situations that are not only related to the sexual act. It is also linked with the emotional relationships such as, sharing with their partner, family, and friends. It shall be understood that this experience triggers negative and positive aspects that could affect the sexual expression or enhance it.

Conclusions

The meaning of sexuality for a person who has suffered acute infarction of the myocardium is given by emotions, care, education, beliefs and changes in sexuality, which impact patient’s process of recovery from their disease and their quality of life.

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