Människors erfarenheter av att överleva ett hjärtstopp

Sammanfattning: Introduction: Every year 13 000 people suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest in Sweden. When a sudden cardiac arrest occurs the heart malfunctions and the blood-flow to the body's organs is disrupted. This is a life threatening condition that demands early discovery and treatment. More people survive a cardiac arrest in part thanks to more defibrillators in society and that more people are educated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  Aim: To describe people's experiences of surviving a cardiac arrest.   Method: A literature study with a descriptive design. Eleven qualitative studies were included in this study.   Result: The survivors experienced a sudden change in their lives and they had to make adjustments to cope with a changed life that affected their autonomy. The event also affected relations with the family and people close to the survivor. They experienced physical limitations, cognitive and emotional difficulties. Many had existential thoughts of life and death and they made different priorities in life as a result of the event. There was a need for a sense of belonging, knowledge and support.   Conclusion: To survive a cardiac arrest was an event that affected life in many ways. The survivors' lives changed suddenly and they were affected emotionally, physically and cognitively. Many had existential thoughts and a need for information and support. With an increased understanding about the needs of the survivors, nurses can meet these needs and improve patient-centered care.