Recovering from a cardiac arrest
Recovering from a cardiac arrest
Recovery after a cardiac arrest looks different for everyone.
It usually happens in stages, starting in hospital, where your condition is monitored and your future needs are assessed.
Full recovery can take several months, so it's important not to rush your rehabilitation.
Support from healthcare professionals
During your recovery, you'll get help and support from different healthcare professionals, both physically and psychologically.
You may need support from:
- doctors (including your GP)
- nurses
- physiotherapists
- pharmacists
- occupational therapists
- counsellors
- clinical psychologists
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Complications
Challenges in recovery
You may have physical, psychological and cognitive symptoms after a cardiac arrest. This can affect your daily life.
However, everyone who survives a cardiac arrest will experience different challenges. The advice you receive from healthcare professionals will be based on your personal needs.
You may be offered cardiac rehabilitation to support your recovery. You can find out more about this from the British Heart Foundation.
Driving
Your healthcare team will tell you if there are any driving restrictions you should be aware of after your cardiac arrest.
Any restrictions will be based on your cardiac arrest, its impact on your health and the treatment you received.
Returning to work
Many people are able to return to work after a cardiac arrest. How quickly you go back will depend on your health and the kind of work you do.
Your healthcare team will give you more detail about how long it’ll be before you can return to work.
You may find it helpful to have a discussion with your employer. They can support your return to work based on your individual needs.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK have further information on planning your return to work after cardiac arrest.
Where to get help
There are many organisations that can support you after a cardiac arrest.
Life After Cardiac Arrest
Life After Cardiac Arrest provide support and information for people in Scotland who have experienced a cardiac arrest, and their families. They also help people who have been bereaved by a cardiac arrest.
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) have a free advice line if you’ve been affected by a cardiac arrest. You can use this to get support and information.
CHSS also offer support and information if you’ve seen CPR being given, or if you’ve performed it on someone.
Phone the helpline for free on 0808 801 0899. Healthcare professionals are available to speak with you from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK provide support and information after a cardiac arrest.
They can help connect you to other people who have had a cardiac arrest. They also provide support if you:
- are having problems with your recovery
- need help with a loved one
- need support after performing CPR
British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline
British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline can connect you to a healthcare professional. This can be a good place to share your experience and receive guidance on your cardiac arrest recovery.
Phone the helpline for free on 0808 802 1234. Support is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can also write to them at hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk or chat online.
Sudden Arrhythmic Death UK (SADS UK)
Sudden Arrhythmic Death UK (SADS UK) provides support for people who have survived or witnessed a cardiac arrest.
SADS UK can connect you to qualified counsellors and arrange peer support. Peer support means you can speak to other people who have experienced a cardiac arrest, or who have seen or carried out CPR.
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) provide resources and support for young cardiac arrest survivors from 12 to 35 years.
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.