Background Cardiac arrest is the main reason for death globally. On the other hand, survival has increased since the turn of the century. Having survived a cardiac arrest creates many inconveniences afterwards, both physically and mentally. It is important that the general nurse has adequate knowledge of the patients experience after surviving to be able to provide a good care for these patients.

Aim The aim of the study was to illuminate patients experiences after surviving a cardiac arrest.

Method A method to contribute to evidence-based nursing based on analysis of qualitative research was used. An analysis of nine qualitative articles was carried out.

Results The analysis resulted in three main themes which was emotional reactions, the body is changed and existential thoughts, and eleven subthemes. The result showed that the patients had problems with memory loss and therefore needed answers. Questions about the changed body and existential thoughts also emerged after the cardiac arrest. Several of the patients demanded clearer information and support from the health care professionals even after returning home, to be able to process and manage the incident and the new situation they faced.

Conclusion Conclusions that can be drawn from the results of the study are that the nurse plays a major role in providing support and counseling to these patients, about what has happened but also how patients can expect the future to be.