Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels and include conditions such as stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral arterial disease. These conditions can lead to serious health complications that may, in some cases, require surgical intervention. Purpose: The aim of this master's thesis was to investigate the psychological experiences of patients prior to elective cardiac surgery and to highlight the importance of psychological preparation. Methods: The study included 18 patients (12 male, six female), aged 45 to 79 years, who underwent heart valve surgery (9), coronary artery bypass grafting (8), or combined procedures (1). Semi-structured interviews were conducted in May and June 2026. The audio recordings were subsequently transcribed. We used a descriptive method with qualitative content analysis and coded the transcripts using the ATLAS.ti software. Results: A total of 28 codes were formed, which were grouped into eight categories and four themes. Patients reported experiencing various negative emotions and thoughts—such as worries, fear, and discomfort. However, they also noted positive aspects, including optimism, acceptance, and trust in the healthcare system and healthcare professionals. Social support, redirection of attention, being informed and medications were identified as important coping mechanisms. For most participants, the pre-operative period evoked pleasant and positive emotions, with calmness and a sense of being unburdened frequently highlighted. Some participants also experienced significant negative feelings, attributed to waiting for the procedure in a hospital setting, health issues, and surgery postponements. Acceptance of the situation and operation was also noted. During the preoperative period, patients found sedatives, support from healthcare staff, and trust in medical care helpful, though their overall satisfaction with the preparation varied. They also highlighted the importance of being well-informed, which was perceived as sufficient by some, but inadequate by others. Discussion and conclusion: The period of waiting for and preparing for elective surgery is highly complex, characterized by a range of emotions spanning from fear and uncertainty to optimism and calmness. Loved ones and healthcare professionals served as important sources of encouragement; despite certain shortcomings, medical staff stood by the patients and provided them with relevant information throughout the process. Receiving information played an important role for patients in preparing for the surgical procedure. The findings underscore the importance of an individualized and holistic approach to patient care, in which psychological preparation plays a significant role.
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