Many US women have had or will experience a cardiac event and little is known about their learning experiences associated with subsequent lifestyle change. In this qualitative study, the researcher examined the experiential learning of 22 women who made lifestyle changes after a cardiac event. Meaning making experiences were examined for influence in changing behaviour, self-perception and outlook. The researcher identified findings which indicate that prior experiences, the cardiac event itself, post-event experiences and reflection helped facilitate lifestyle change, changes in self-perception and the incorporation of advocacy. Implications of the study include attendance to pre- and post-experiences and that the cardiac event itself provides a foundation for making changes and developing new ways of living with heart disease.