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Young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention often find it difficult to participate in secondary cardiac rehabilitation. This study examines patient experiences in cardiac rehabilitation using health empowerment theory as a framework. Purposive sampling was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological approach. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) Personal growth, (2) Self-acceptance, (3) Life Purpose and motivation, (4) Social support, and (5) Utilisation of social services. The findings are consistent with all dimensions of health empowerment theory. The results of the study emphasise the importance of individualised empowerment and highlight the need to address the requirements for cardiac rehabilitation benefits, providing a new perspective for improving cardiac rehabilitation intervention programmes.