There is no fixed timeline. Every survivor’s experience is different, and the duration of fear and anxiety after a cardiac arrest depends on a wide range of factors including the circumstances of the arrest, the level of support received, and whether any underlying psychological needs are addressed.
For some survivors, the acute anxiety settles within the first few months as they adjust to life after the event and build confidence in their body again. For others, particularly those who do not receive appropriate psychological support, anxiety can persist for years.
Seeking support early makes a meaningful difference. Talking to your GP about a referral to cardiac rehabilitation, or connecting with other survivors through SCA UK, can both help to reduce the duration and intensity of anxiety after cardiac arrest. If anxiety continues to affect your daily life, ask your GP for a referral to psychological support, which is a recognised part of cardiac arrest recovery.