BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and stress management, are crucial for reducing the risk of recurrent cardiac events and promoting overall cardiovascular health. Despite their clinical significance, the experiences of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in adjusting to and maintaining these lifestyle changes after their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain relatively unexplored, especially in China. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the experiences of patients with CHD in central China as they make adjustments to healthy lifestyles following their first PCI.

METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was designed. Eighteen participants from a regional teaching hospital in central China participated in the study conducted from 2022 to 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews guided by semi-structured questions, resulting in five sub-themes and one main theme emerging from the thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Adjusting to a healthy lifestyle post-PCI was described as "moving forward despite obstacles", reflecting resilience and determination in overcoming challenges to improve health and well-being. The participants initially trusted their doctors' recommendations and became motivated by the positive effects of lifestyle changes and the desire to alleviate the burden of their loved ones. However, they also faced challenges related to Chinese traditional culture and other physical issues.

CONCLUSION: Adjustment to a healthy lifestyle is essential but challenging. Our findings highlight the influence of external and internal factors on behavioural changes and underscore the need for health professionals to understand and support patients' experiences to inspire and sustain their lifestyle adjustments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.