Background: Cardiovascular diseases are conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular diseases. Unhealthy lifestyles are a significant contributing factor to the incidence of these diseases, leading to considerable suffering and economic burden at both societal and individual levels, both nationally and internationally.  

 Aim: The aim of this literature review was to describe patients' experiences of lifestyle changes related to cardiovascular diseases.  

Method: This is a descriptive literature study, including a total of nine qualitative primary articles.

Main Results: The study's results showed that cardiovascular patients experienced positive improvements in health and quality of life through lifestyle changes that included a healthy diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation. Family support and access to adequate information and education were crucial factors in maintaining long-term behavior changes. Patients' behavior changes were hindered by various challenges such as economic, knowledge gaps, cultural, practical, and physical barriers.  

Conclusion: Lifestyle changes improve patients' well-being, self-confidence, and quality of life. Behavior changes are influenced by emotional and physical barriers, with attitudes and relationships playing an important role. Patients' ability to implement and sustain changes is enhanced by adequate knowledge and support from family members. To effectively support patients, individualized and tailored education and guidance for both patients and their family members are necessary from healthcare professionals.