Anxiety after cardiac arrest is one of the most common challenges faced by survivors and those around them. If you’re experiencing persistent worry, fear, or panic since your SCA – or since witnessing someone else’s – you’re not alone. Research suggests that up to 30% of cardiac arrest survivors experience significant anxiety, and co-survivors, including family members, partners, and those who performed CPR, are also profoundly affected.
Why Does Anxiety Develop After Cardiac Arrest?
Anxiety is a natural human response. Our bodies have an internal alarm system, commonly known as “fight or flight.” This was initially designed to protect us from predators and dangers. Under threat, our bodies release adrenaline, which increases alertness, heart rate, and oxygen circulation to prepare us to fight or flee.
For anyone touched by cardiac arrest, this alarm system can become overactive. Whether you survived an SCA yourself or witnessed one happen to someone you love, your body has experienced a genuine life-threatening situation, so it makes sense that it remains on high alert.
Common Triggers for Survivors
- Fear of recurrence – worrying that your heart will stop again
- Uncertainty about the future – concerns about health, work, and family
- Loss of control – feeling that your body betrayed you without warning
- ICD-related anxiety – if you have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, you may fear shocks or worry about device malfunctions
- Medical appointments – hospital visits can trigger memories of your cardiac arrest
- Physical sensations – normal heart rate changes or chest sensations may cause panic
Common Triggers for Co-Survivors
- Fear of it happening again – hypervigilance about your loved one’s health
- Traumatic memories – replaying the event, particularly if you performed CPR or witnessed the arrest
- Guilt – questioning whether you did enough, even when you saved their life
- Changed relationships – adjusting to new roles as carer or protector
- Anticipatory grief – ongoing fear of losing your loved one
Many survivors and co-survivors describe recovery as an emotional roller coaster, with anxiety being one of the most challenging aspects of life after SCA.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety produces physical symptoms that can be particularly distressing for heart patients and those around them. Survivors may worry that these sensations indicate another cardiac event. Understanding that these are anxiety symptoms can help reduce this fear.
Physical symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate and palpitations
- Tightness in the chest
- Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Muscle tension and shaking
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Hot flushes and increased perspiration
- Pins and needles sensations
- Dry mouth
- Tension headaches
- Panic attacks
If you’re a survivor and unsure whether your symptoms are anxiety or a cardiac issue, always seek medical advice. However, once you’ve been reassured that your heart is stable, recognising these as anxiety symptoms can be empowering.
Mental and Emotional Symptoms
Anxiety after cardiac arrest also affects thoughts and emotions. Both survivors and co-survivors may experience:
- A persistent feeling of dread or impending doom
- Inability to relax, even in safe environments
- Intrusive thoughts about death or another cardiac arrest occurring
- Feeling detached from your surroundings or loved ones
- Hypervigilance and being constantly on edge
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability and mood changes
- Avoiding places or activities that remind you of the SCA
These symptoms can come and go or persist for months or even years. When anxiety begins affecting your everyday life, relationships, or recovery, it’s time to seek help.
Anxiety in Co-Survivors: Family, Partners and Rescuers
Co-survivors – the family members, partners, friends, colleagues, and bystanders affected by a cardiac arrest – often experience profound anxiety that can go unrecognised. While attention understandably focuses on the survivor’s recovery, co-survivors carry their own invisible burden.
Partners and Family Members
Watching someone you love collapse and potentially die is deeply traumatic. Even when the outcome is positive, co-survivors often experience:
- Constant (Hyper) vigilance – checking on your loved one repeatedly, monitoring their breathing at night, or feeling unable to leave them alone
- Role changes – shifting from partner to carer, which can affect your relationship and identity
- Suppressed emotions – feeling you must “stay strong” and putting your own needs aside
- Secondary trauma – the images and sounds of the cardiac arrest replaying in your mind
Partners who performed CPR on their loved one carry an additional emotional weight. The physical act of trying to save someone’s life creates powerful, lasting memories that can trigger anxiety long after the event.
Bystanders and Lay Rescuers
If you witnessed a cardiac arrest or performed CPR on a stranger, colleague, or community member, you may also experience significant anxiety. Lay rescuers often report:
- Flashbacks to the event
- Questioning whether they did CPR correctly
- Guilt if the person didn’t survive, or even if they did
- Difficulty returning to the location where the arrest occurred
- Reluctance to talk about their experience because they feel they “shouldn’t” be affected
Your feelings are valid. Performing CPR is an extraordinary act, and it’s completely normal to be affected by it. You don’t need to have a close relationship with the person to experience trauma from the event.
Why Co-Survivor Anxiety Matters
Research increasingly recognises that co-survivors need support too. Untreated anxiety in co-survivors can affect their own health, strain relationships, and impact the survivor’s recovery. When both survivors and co-survivors receive appropriate support, outcomes improve for everyone.
The Link Between Anxiety, PTSD and Cardiac Arrest
Anxiety after cardiac arrest can sometimes be part of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Surviving or witnessing an SCA is a traumatic experience, and your mind may struggle to process what happened.
Signs that your anxiety may be related to PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares about the cardiac arrest, and avoiding anything that reminds you of the event. Both survivors and co-survivors can develop PTSD, and both deserve treatment.
Therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) have proven effective for cardiac arrest survivors and co-survivors experiencing PTSD and anxiety.
Treatment Options for Anxiety After Cardiac Arrest
The good news is that anxiety is treatable. Most people find significant improvement with the proper support. Treatment typically falls into two categories: psychological therapy and medication.
Psychological Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop coping strategies. CBT is available through the NHS and can be accessed via self-referral to your local IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service.
Counselling provides a safe space to talk through your experiences and feelings with a trained professional. This can be particularly valuable for co-survivors who may not have had the opportunity to process what they witnessed.
Couples or family therapy can help survivors and co-survivors navigate the changed dynamics in their relationship and support each other’s recovery.
Applied relaxation techniques teach you to consciously relax your muscles in situations that usually cause anxiety.
Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay grounded in the present moment rather than worrying about the future.
Medications
Several types of medication can help manage anxiety:
- Antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders
- Beta-blockers can help control physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat – many cardiac arrest survivors are already taking these as part of their cardiac medication.
- Pregabalin may be prescribed for generalised anxiety disorder
- Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for short-term treatment of severe anxiety
Your GP will discuss which options are appropriate for you, taking into account any other health conditions and medications you take.
Self-Help Strategies for Managing Anxiety
Alongside professional treatment, these strategies can help survivors and co-survivors manage anxiety day-to-day:
Breathing exercises – Slow, deep breathing activates your body’s relaxation response. Try breathing in for four counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6.
Regular physical activity – Exercise is proven to reduce anxiety. Survivors should check with their cardiac team about appropriate activities and consider joining a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Co-survivors benefit equally from regular exercise.
Limit caffeine and alcohol – Both can worsen anxiety symptoms.
Maintain a routine – Structure and predictability can help reduce anxious feelings.
Communicate openly – Survivors and co-survivors often try to protect each other by hiding their feelings. Honest conversations about fears and concerns can strengthen your relationship and reduce isolation.
Stay connected – Isolation often worsens anxiety. Talking to others who understand can make a real difference.
Support for Survivors and Co-Survivors
One of the most powerful ways to manage anxiety after cardiac arrest is connecting with others who truly understand. At Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, our community of nearly 4,000 survivors and co-survivors provides peer support through:
- Online support groups where you can share experiences and ask questions – we have dedicated spaces for both survivors and co-survivors
- Regional meetups across the UK for face-to-face connection
- Resources and information to help you understand what you’re going through
Many of our members say that connecting with fellow survivors and co-survivors was a turning point in managing their anxiety. Knowing you’re not alone – and seeing others thrive after SCA – offers hope and practical insights that clinical support alone cannot.
Co-survivors are a vital part of our community. Whether you’re a partner, family member, friend, or the stranger who stepped in to perform CPR, your experience matters and support is available.
When to Seek Urgent Help
If your anxiety is severely affecting your quality of life, or if you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please seek help immediately. This applies to both survivors and co-survivors. Contact your GP, call NHS 111, or reach out to:
- Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
- Mind – 0300 123 3393
- Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774
Further Resources
- NHS – Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Mind – Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Anxiety UK – Information and Support
- British Heart Foundation – Coping with Feelings
Join Our Community
If you’re experiencing anxiety after cardiac arrest – whether as a survivor or co-survivor – we invite you to join our supportive community. Connect with thousands of people who understand precisely what you’re going through.