Implications for practice and research

• Strategies are needed to improve the uptake of secondary prevention programmes among women.

• Further research into female illness perception and value placed on physical activity postmyocardial infarction (MI).

Context

In recent years, there is growing realisation that women have poorer outcomes following MI compared with men, for example, an increased level of mortality, comorbidities and reduced quality of life.1 Their recovery from MI can also be protracted and they face distinct gender-related issues.2 Women are less likely to attend secondary prevention programmes, which include a physical exercise component.3 The study by Lovlien et al's examines whether females' sense of coherence, their exercise levels and quality of life are inter-related and the impact age has on these relationships proceeding an MI. …