NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Abstract

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) remains one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide despite significant advances in acute coronary care and reperfusion therapies. Comprehensive nursing interventions play a crucial role in optimizing patient outcomes throughout the continuum of STEMI management, from emergency care to long-term recovery and secondary prevention. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding nursing interventions for patients with STEMI and identify key strategies that contribute to improved clinical outcomes and quality of care. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar databases. Articles published between 2021 and 2026 were searched using keywords related to STEMI, nursing interventions, cardiovascular nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, self-management, and patient education. Twenty-two eligible studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings identified six major domains of nursing interventions: early recognition and rapid assessment, hemodynamic monitoring and stabilization, pain management and symptom control, psychological support and anxiety reduction, patient education and self-management support, and cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. The reviewed evidence consistently demonstrated that comprehensive nursing interventions contributed to improved physiological stability, treatment adherence, psychological adaptation, self-care behaviors, quality of life, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes among patients with STEMI. In conclusion, evidence-based nursing interventions represent an essential component of STEMI management and significantly influence patient recovery and secondary prevention. Strengthening nurse-led cardiovascular care programs and integrating innovative educational and digital health approaches may further enhance patient outcomes and support the delivery of high-quality cardiovascular nursing care.