Livet efter hjärtstopp

Sammanfattning: Background: Every year, over 8000 people are affected by cardiac arrest in Sweden. Due to the fact that both the emergency care and the aftercare of these people have improved in recent years, the survival rate has increased. Extensive research is available in areas that concerns the number of survivors and post- cardiac arrest treatment. Not as much research regarding cardiac survivor’s experiences can be found. Aim: The aim was to compile scientific literature that illustrates the experiences of people who have survived a cardiac arrest. Method: A literature review based on ten qualitative scientific studies were found in Pubmed, CINAHL and Psycinfo and analyzed in order to respond to the aim. Results: Three main categories and four subcategories were identified after analysis of the results: Experience of uncertainty; Need to talk (subcategory); Physical and cognitive limitations in daily life; Memory (subcategory); Reduced independence (subcategory); A second chance. Conclusion: Surviving a cardiac arrest has a major impact on the person’s daily life, both physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively. Family and health care personnel are considered to play a major role in the processing and recovery of the event.