Exercising for a healthy heart: A qualitative study of women's beliefs

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to explore women's beliefs about exercise in relation to key messages about physical inactivity and coronary heart disease.

Design This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting Cardiac and gynaecological units of three hospitals in different locations.

Method Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 women admitted with a cardiac related event or suspected cardiac event, and 33 women without manifest coronary heart disease who had been admitted to the same hospitals for routine elective surgery/procedures. Results Women related to exercise primarily in terms of losing weight, looking good, staying mobile and keeping fit generally. Moderate physical activity was considered best and there was a perception that activity inherent in women's domestic lives provided this. Women believed overexercise could be potentially harmful.

Conclusion Key messages about physical activity and its importance in preventing coronary heart disease need to take into account women's ideas about the benefits and hazards of exercise.

Keywords

coronary heart disease exercise women lay beliefs

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