Perceptions of cardiovascular risk and the role of psychological factors: a qualitative study among healthy adults in Turkey

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major global health problem, causing 17.9 million deaths in 2019, with 85% due to myocardial infarction and stroke. This study explores psychological and behavioural factors that support heart health in psychologically well, asymptomatic individuals. Method A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 149 participants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results Four major themes were identified: (1) Heart Health Overview, (2) Relationship between Psychological Health and Heart Health, (3) Strategies for Maintaining Heart Health, and (4) Educational Resources. Participants typically reported low perceived risk of cardiovascular disease, demonstrated fragmented knowledge, and were primarily motivated by social or aesthetic concerns rather than health literacy. Conclusions The findings highlight the need for integrated cardiovascular disease prevention approaches that incorporate psychological readiness, mental health support, and health education strategies tailored for asymptomatic individuals. Practical implications include developing public health campaigns that combine mental well-being with cardiovascular disease risk education and expanding the use of digital tools to bridge gaps in clinical knowledge among healthy populations.