BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of mortality in women. Women have also been identified as late presenters in seeking medical care. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore and describe women's symptoms and the reasons for delay in seeking medical care at the time of the first myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: The study had an explorative and descriptive design based on content analysis approach. Nineteen women were interviewed at the hospital 2 or 3 days after hospitalisation. RESULTS: The result showed that the women had difficulties interpreting, understanding and linking the symptoms to CHD. They tried to handle the discomfort and even the chest pain, rather then ask for professional help. The women had problems with making the final decision. CONCLUSION: Women need to be made aware of the clinical symptoms of CHD, in order to understand the consequences of delay in seeking medical care following an MI.