Anxiety, panic and PTSD after cardiac arrest or ECMO: is this normal?
The short answer
What survivors describe
Fear, anxiety, depression and loneliness are common feelings. They are linked to changes after the event, such as trouble being in the same roles, fear of the unknown, fear of another cardiac arrest, and depending more on others. These feelings often mix with joy and gratitude for being alive.Source:American Heart Association
After an ICU stay, anxiety, low motivation, depression, and PTSD with nightmares and unwanted memories are described. Family members can have them too.Source:Cleveland Clinic
When it may be PTSD
Most people who go through a frightening event have a hard time for a short while and usually get better with time and good self-care. If symptoms get worse, last for months or years, and affect daily life, it may be PTSD.Source:Mayo Clinic
PTSD symptoms can start within three months, or not for years. Getting treatment can be very important.Source:Mayo ClinicNHS (UK)
Some people develop PTSD after surviving cardiac arrest or after shocks from their ICD.Source:NIH (NHLBI)
When panic feels like your heart
Anxiety or a panic attack can cause a sharp chest pain, a faster heartbeat, sweating and dizziness. It can be hard to tell from a heart problem, so do not diagnose yourself. If you are unsure, get help.Source:NHS (UK)
A slow breathing exercise can help with stress, anxiety and panic: breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, counting steadily.Source:NHS (UK)
Where to find help
Talk to your care team about finding a therapist, or call the number on your insurance card to find mental health support. Many survivors find it helpful to talk to other survivors.Source:American Heart Association
Call 911 if...
- If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.Source:988 Lifeline
- Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, a cold sweat or pain spreading to your arm or jaw. Do not assume it is anxiety.Source:American Heart AssociationNHS (UK)
Call your care team the same day if...
- Fear or low mood that is getting worse, lasting for months, or getting in the way of daily life.Source:Mayo ClinicAmerican Heart Association
Quick answers
Is it normal to be afraid of another cardiac arrest?
Yes. The American Heart Association lists fear of another cardiac arrest, anxiety, depression and loneliness among the common feelings after a cardiac arrest, often mixed with joy and gratitude for being alive.
Source:American Heart AssociationCan you get PTSD after cardiac arrest or ECMO?
Yes. The NIH (NHLBI) says some people develop PTSD after surviving cardiac arrest or after shocks from an ICD, and Cleveland Clinic lists PTSD among the effects that can follow an ICU stay. It is treatable, so tell your care team.
Source:NIH (NHLBI)Cleveland ClinicRelated
Where this comes from
- American Heart Association: Recovering From a Cardiac Arrest
- Cleveland Clinic: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)
- Mayo Clinic: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- NHS (UK): PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH): Living With an ICD or WCD
- NHS (UK): Chest pain
- NHS (UK): Breathing exercises for stress
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Lifeline
- American Heart Association: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
General information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team.