Background: Heart and vascular disease are the most common causes of deaths in Sweden and in the rest of the world. Myocardial infarction is by far the most frequent cause of death in Sweden. By using modern intervention methods the number of deaths in myocardial infarction has decreased. As a result of this the demands on healthcare will increase. Risk factors for suffering a heart attack are well known and may be affected by a healthier lifestyle. For many patients who have had a heart attack lifestyle changes become a necessary measure to prevent recurrence which leads to many changes in daily life.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe patient´s experiences after myocardial infarction.

Methods: A literature study was made of twelve qualitative studies.

Results: Four themes were found: Fear, Limitations in daily life, Support from healthcare and relatives and A new chance. After a myocardial infarction the patient finds himself in a state of crisis. Life after myocardial infarction offers limitations concerning physical, psychological and practical abilities. Long time support from healthcare personal and relatives is very important. The majority of the patients were grateful for having received a second chance to go on with their lives.

Conclusion: A patient who has survived a myocardial infarction must be given full information that he suffers from a life threatening and from a chronical disease. To bring about this understanding it is necessary to adopt a longtime follow up policy from the health care professionals. Relatives and healthcare personal play an important part in supporting the patient. To give the right kind of support the relatives need more knowledge of the disease. Women and men use different methods to cope with the consequences of myocardial infarction