Exploring lifestyle changes in women with ischemic heart disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of death for women worldwide, and thus it is important to focus on lifestyle changes to reduce the impact of the disease on women’s everyday lives. Nine women were interviewed using an explorative approach to describe women’s lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with IHD. Three major themes emerged; ‘Heart disease: A life-changing event’, ‘Social life – both inhibiting and promoting lifestyle changes’ and ‘Maintaining changes: An ongoing challenge and a conscious choice’. Ischemic heart disease caused anxiety, and the women strived to find meaning in life after diagnosis. Family had a great impact on the lifestyle changes made and the social aspect of exercise was highlighted as important. Time since onset of disease affected the effort to make lifestyle changes, showing that changes were easier to make immediately after onset but difficult to maintain over time.