Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Emily Dodd, Dr Mei Yee Tang, Dr Leah Avery, Dr Aaron Koshy, Maggie Fearby, Dr Matthew Dewhurst, Dr Alasdair BlainORCiD, Dr Renae StefanettiORCiD, Dr Nduka Okwose, Professor Djordje JakovljevicORCiD, Dr Guy MacGowanORCiD, Dr Sarah CharmanORCiD
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Over 1 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. 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. 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. 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.
Author(s): Dodd EJ, Tang MY, Avery L, Bailey K, Fernandez O, Williams M, Nelson K, Koshy A, Fearby M, Hildreth N, Hann K, Dewhurst M, Blain AP, Stefanetti RJ, Okwose NC, Jakovljevic DG, MacGowan GA, Charman SJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Year: 2026
Pages: Epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 23/03/2026
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
ISSN (print): 1559-8276
ISSN (electronic): 1559-8284
Publisher: SAGE Publications Inc.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276261435513
DOI: 10.1177/15598276261435513
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
