Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Europe. Over the past decades, CVD mortality rates have decreased due to improvements in medical care, but at the same time prevalence of CVD has increased due to improved survival rates, increasing age as well as prevalence of risk factors. Marital status is known to affect the development of and prognosis after CVD, and partners of individuals with CVD are known to be psychologically affected by the situation. In spite of this, little is known about the social different influence of partners and social differences in how partners are affected by the disease. Interventions aimed at couples with CVD are lacking, especially interventions aiming to reduce social inequality. In this study, we focus on individuals with CVD with a high risk profile regarding health behaviour, mental health and health literacy. The aim of this study is to generate knowledge about everyday life and experiences with the healthcare system among high risk individuals with CVD and their partners in preparation of developing an intervention targeting these couples.

Methods: The study is based on qualitative methods including semi-structured individual and couple interviews as well as participant observation at home and during appointments in the healthcare system. Fifteen couples are included, recruited from a hospital ward and selected on the basis of the patients' high risk profile. Data will include transcribed interviews and written notes, and thematic analysis will be conducted. Individuals with CVD and partners are involved in the research process.

Results: Data collection and analysis is ongoing, but results will be ready for presentation at the conference in May.

Results will inform the planning of an intervention targeting the group of high risk individuals with CVD and their partners as a supplement to traditional cardiac rehabilitation.