‘Living Through Challenges is a New Opportunity’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on Persons with Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

This study attempted to explore and understand the lived experiences of the persons with cardiovascular disease throughout their lives, and identify specific positive aspects that acted as catalysts for their positive living during the illness. Eight persons (aged 29–58), both men and women, were interviewed. They had lived with the disease for two to 12 years. Transcripts were explored through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Data analysis revealed two superordinate themes, such as lived experiences and feeling in life, and dynamics of positive living during illness. The lived experiences of the persons with cardiovascular disease help us to understand their psychological critical life situations and the strategies they follow to salvage their lives by transforming themselves from negative to positive. The findings bring a new insight, and the implications and shortcomings are discussed.