Background: Myocardial infarction is one of the most common deceases that cause death in the world. An unhealthful lifestyle like diet, alcohol, physical inactivity and smoking is the greatest avoidable risk factors for developing a new myocardial infarction. To achieve health, lifestyle changes must be made.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate which factors affect patients' attitudes to lifestyle changes after a myocardial infarction.

Method: A litterature study was conducted based on an analysis of eight qualitative scientific articles.

Results: The analysis resulted in two themes; personal factors and environmental factors. Each main theme had two significant subthemes. Patients' attitude to changing their lifestyle after a myocardial infarction is individual. The results showed that lifestyle changes are hard to implement if there is lack of willpower. On the other hand patients have their own responsibility and with support from relatives and professionals it is easier to complete lifestyle changes.

Conclusion: Whatever experiences and attitudes patients have from the start is the most important thing for nurses to work with and promote health. The importance of individualized care and motivation are contributing factors to lifestyle changes. In order for the support from outside to be able to influence the patient, it is necessary that the patient is open and receptive to make a change.