How to Recover and Move Forward After Cardiac Arrest

Surviving sudden cardiac arrest is a victory in itself. However, the challenges do not stop after leaving the hospital. Here are tips and information on how to recover and keep moving forward in life after suffering a cardiac arrest.

What Are Normal Challenges Faced After Surviving Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest affects not only the physical state but also cognitive and emotional well-being. The after-effects of sudden cardiac arrest depend upon a number of factors, including how long it took for resuscitation to occur after cardiac arrest.

Common Challenges for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors

What are the most common challenges faced by cardiac arrest survivors? Although the difficulties vary from patient to patient, there are common problems: 

• Difficulty writing, tying shoelaces, and typing
• Fatigue
• Vision problems such as difficulty reading
• Challenges climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, and sometimes balance when walking
• Pain in the chest area where CPR was administered
• Difficulties speaking or swallowing; also speech apraxia
• Depression, anxiety, and PTSD
• Short-term and long-term memory problems
• Cognitive difficulties like learning new skills, planning, and attention challenges

Survivors often experience many challenges, both predictable and unexpected, on their journey to resume a fulfilling life. Family members and caregivers also face daily challenges in supporting loved ones who survived sudden cardiac arrest. It may seem difficult to find the information and support necessary.

Currently, the resources to care for the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs are not uniform and standardized for sudden cardiac arrest patients. Families and caregivers are not always trained or prepared for the rehabilitation and support necessary, particularly emotional, cognitive, and social needs.

Addressing Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor’s Challenges

If you are a family member or the survivor yourself of sudden cardiac arrest, chances are you are reading this to understand what you can do to encourage the best quality of life for the survivor. A good support system of family, caregivers, the medical team, medications, and therapists offers the most comprehensive strategy of post-arrest care.

Sometimes cardiac arrest patients feel lonely or afraid when they are discharged from the hospital. Changes in caregivers and new routines can trigger feelings of anxiety. 

You also may find a cardiac arrest survivor is reluctant to return to work or resume normal daily activities because of the fear of triggering another cardiac arrest. 

Resuming Pre-Cardiac Arrest Daily Activities

The main focus if you are the survivor of sudden cardiac arrest or a family member of a survivor is on the well-being of the survivor. Returning home, resuming work if possible, and engaging in activities such as hobbies and favorite pastimes are important parts of the recovery process. 

It is important for family members to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and understand how to administer CPR until emergency responders arrive. Keeping an automated external defibrillator (AED) in your home and administering CPR may keep a sudden cardiac arrest victim alive until EMTs arrive.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest After-Care Centers

Medical facilities with standardized post-cardiac arrest plans and programs monitor the patient’s progress and neurological prognosis. Many patients experience cognitive challenges and functional difficulties that may require therapy, such as walking and mobility problems or difficulty writing.

The ability of cardiac arrest survivors to receive rehabilitative care is important in maximizing the quality of life. Resources and access to access to caregivers are also critical elements of care management for family members of cardiac arrest survivors.

Rehabilitation Is Important for Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Rehabilitation of sudden cardiac arrest patients is focused on preventing new illness, treating underlying conditions, and addressing any challenges the survivor is experiencing. Parts of the body, including organs, may have been damaged and require treatment and therapy.

Generally, rehabilitation is divided into medical interventions and therapies based on these categories: 

Cognitive

Cognitive impairment is often detected through observation after the survivor returns home. Testing and therapy often help resolve cognitive challenges such as speech disorders. Developing systems and caregiver support often help with other cognitive difficulties like memory loss, planning, and organizing. 

Musculoskeletal

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the use of orthotics are common interventions to treat musculoskeletal conditions. There are a variety of tests that measure muscle weakness, fine motor skills, and visual challenges. Rehabilitation focuses on early intervention and maintaining mobility.

Neurological

Seizures, strokes, movement disorders, and spasticity are not uncommon in sudden cardiac arrest survivors. Treatment involves antiepileptic drugs for seizures. Physical therapy rehabilitation is necessary for other movement disorders.

Psycho-Social Well-Being

Survivors of sudden cardiac arrest require support as their relationships with loved ones change. There may be worries about difficulties with intimacy or anxiety about changes in family roles.

Work instability may increase financial pressures. The survivor may face difficulties reintegrating into society. Family members are also affected by the new reality of the survivor post-cardiac arrest.

Discuss any worries with your medical team or care providers. Medication may be necessary for depression or PTSD.

Social networks and groups with others who resumed life after surviving sudden cardiac arrest provide valuable empathy and comfort. Survivors can also share insight and information that solves common challenges and improves the quality of life.

Recovering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest 

All of the above factors are important for true rehabilitation and recovery after sudden cardiac arrest. Family members, a committed care team, and support networks are all necessary elements in a successful recovery plan for survivors of sudden cardiac arrest. The common goal is to help the sudden cardiac arrest survivor to recover, maintain good health, and achieve a fulfilling life.

About The Myra Logan Heart Fund

AEDs save lives. Of the 424,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that happen annually in the United States, only 10% of victims survive. The chances of survival increase from 6% to 74% if an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is used to deliver shock therapy within three to five minutes of a heart attack, but tragically only a tiny fraction of cardiac arrest victims in the United States ever get the immediate help they need.

The Myra Logan Heart Fund’s mission is to get an AED into every home, office and school. Its purpose is to educate the public about the importance of AEDs, increase their accessibility, and empower people to save lives.