This is a qualitative study, characterized as exploratory and descriptive. Its aim consisted on understanding the meanings attributed to the cardiac surgery by presurgical patients. Fifteen users of a cardiology outpatient clinic of a university hospital participated on the study. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was carried out through content analysis, emerging four categories: Anxiety of waiting; Surgery and fear; Expectations about the future after the surgery; and Religiosity and introspection. Results emphasize the emotional repercussions due to the unpredictable character attributed to surgery, evidencing a context of vulnerability and emotional fragility. Such results highlight the need for reflection concerning aspects of the surgery that are beyond the physical body, covering the several fields of knowledge and professionals who are involved on health care.
Health psychology; heart disorders; surgery