Table 2 Themes and sub-themes in the decision phase of patients with AMI

Uncertain about their symptoms

Hesitation to seek treatment

Uncertainties to ask for another help

Persuading themselves that symptoms were not life threatening

Denying their symptoms

Belief of being capable to control the symptoms

Belief of being capable to bear the pain

Holding on to their responsibilities

Dealing with expectations

Accepting death

Believing in fate

It was not time yet