Gender differences in recovery after coronary artery surgery.

Coronary artery bypass surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures for coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of illness in American men and women over the age of 50. Since perceptions of events have been shown to significantly affect outcomes after major cardiac illness, it is crucial for nurses to understand patients' perceptions of these events. This article explores how perceptions of cardiac surgery differ considerably by gender and role expectations, and how such differences can influence recovery.