"That kind of changes things": a meta-synthesis of the lived experiences of people with chronic heart disease.

AIMS

To explore the lived experiences of people with chronic heart disease (PCHD).

DESIGN

Systematic meta-synthesis.

METHODS

Following preregistration on PROSPERO, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and PSYNDEX between February 2023 and March 2024. Articles were assessed for eligibility based on predefined criteria and evaluated for methodological quality using a modified CASP tool. The results of the included primary studies were weighted according to their methodological quality and synthesized using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The reporting adheres to PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines.

RESULTS

The analysis of 43 articles revealed an overarching theme: “The broken flow of life.” This theme illustrates the disruption of normalcy, as perceived by patients through distinct dimensions. These dimensions are represented by the four subthemes: (1) I no longer feel safe in my body, (2) Suddenly, I have less of a future, (3) My identity feels shattered, and (4) My disease strains my relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that PCHD perceive their condition as a profound disruption of normalcy, affecting bodily, relational, and psychological dimensions that extend beyond established HRQOL measures.

IMPLICATIONS

The findings have direct implications for the assessment of HRQOL in medicine. To adequately evaluate holistic treatments, a deeper understanding of how the disease affects life planning and future perspectives is essential. Consequently, established HRQOL measures may need to be extended both in content and temporal scope to capture these broader impacts.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-025-02423-6.