Authors

• Maja Marjanović — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0009-0001-1332-9652
• Andreja Virt — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0002-0442-4025
• Paula Kontek — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0009-0006-3897-5120
• Arijana Ježek — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0009-0002-2825-8460
• Izidor Kranjčec — Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0009-0004-6708-0583

Keywords

ventricular septal defect, myocardial infarction, nursing care, anxiety, psychological support

DOI

Full Text

**Introduction**: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect but may also occur as a life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction (1). Large defects can lead to pulmonary hypertension, biventricular failure, and significant valvular regurgitation. Alongside somatic manifestations, patients frequently experience heightened anxiety that negatively impacts recovery. Nursing staff play a key role in early detection and alleviation of anxiety, contributing to improved patient outcomes. **Case report**: 60-year-old male was transferred to the Acute Heart Failure Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of post-infarction VSD verified by echocardiography (17-25 mm defect, left-to-right shunt Qp/Qs 3.7). The patient reported fear of hospitalization, uncertainty about treatment, irritability, crying episodes, tension, and insomnia. Nursing interventions focused on continuous emotional support, patient education regarding diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and active encouragement to verbalize symptoms of anxiety. The nursing team collaborated closely with physicians and involved family members to reduce patient distress. The patient was subsequently referred to cardiac surgery where surgical patch repair of the VSD was successfully performed. At the time of transfer, the patient demonstrated improved coping, self-recognition, and verbalization of anxiety symptoms, with decreased frequency of episodes. **Conclusion**: Mental health is an essential component of holistic cardiac care. Nurses are in a unique position to identify anxiety early, provide targeted interventions, and coordinate multidisciplinary support. Their role is crucial in empowering patients with complex cardiac conditions such as post-infarction VSD to achieve better psychological adjustment and quality of life.

Literature

1. Aydin S, Temur B, Basgoze S, Guzelmeric F, Guvenc O, Erek E. Toward Routine Minimally Invasive Ventricular Septal Defect Closure Via Right Lateral Minithoracotomy. Front Pediatr. 2021 August 10;9:708203. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.708203