'I'm still young horizontal ellipsis it doesn't matter' - A qualitative study on the neglect of prodromal myocardial infarction symptoms among young- and middle-aged adults

Aim To explore why young- and middle-aged adults ignore prodromal myocardial infarction symptoms from a life course and sociocultural perspective. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Methods We applied purposeful sampling to recruit participants from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou from July to November 2021. Face-to-face interviews were performed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis methods. Results Twenty-four young- and middle-aged adults diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction participated in this study. Analysis revealed three main themes: I'm still young, it will not happen to me; to be somebody and different roles, multiple pressures. Age-related self-confidence led to inappropriate perceptions and responses to prodromal symptoms among young- and middle-aged adults. These individuals strived to align their behaviours and attention with social expectations and self-expectations, underestimating the importance of perceiving the warning signs of acute myocardial infarction and seeking medical treatment. Pressure from social roles also prevented them from paying enough attention to prodromal symptoms. Conclusion Targeted social support, public education and technologies should be provided to these individuals since they are pillars of the family and society. We also highlight how nurses can function these strategies appropriately. Impacts This study contributes to a better understanding of the neglect of prodromal symptoms among young- and middle-aged adults. Its results enhance our understanding of the perception of and coping with prodromal symptoms among this population, which will help avoid the burden caused by acute myocardial infarction. Patient or Public Contribution The patients involved in our study shared their experiences and insights to provide new perspectives regarding the neglect of prodromal myocardial infarction symptoms among young- and middle-aged adults.