Exploring the impact of a heart failure diagnosis on women’s lifestyles with a specific focus on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, quality of life and social support

Background: Over one million people in the UK live with heart failure (HF), of which ~50% are women. Older women are underrepresented in HF research. There is insufficient literature on how women’s experiences of how their new HF diagnosis may impact their physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour, sleep, quality of life and social support.
Methods: Seventeen women newly diagnosed with HF (73 (65-81) years old) were recruited from HF diagnostic clinics and participated in a semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes were identified: (1) Changes in behaviours and quality of life post-diagnosis, (2) PA: perceived barriers and future intentions (3) Mood and emotions; (4) Social support. Participants reported a decrease in PA and an increase in sedentary behaviour. Barriers to PA included low energy, breathlessness, and safety concerns. Feelings of isolation, worry, and tiredness were reported by some whilst others highlighted a renewed appreciation for life and better access to treatment.
Conclusions: Our findings highlight the complex, multifactorial challenges faced by women at the time of their HF diagnosis, with PA emerging as a central theme influencing and being influenced by physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and social support