Cardiac care has developed during the last years. The lengths of stay for patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction have been shortened thanks to more effective medical treatment. The short period of care means that patients have to absorb a lot of information on limited time and they may have difficulties absorbing everything before they leave the hospital.

The aim of this study is to highlight how men and women experience and manage their daily lives three to 12 month after a myocardial infarction. The study is literature based including both qualitative and quantitative studies.

The analysis revealed three themes with subthemes: 1) to no longer be able to rely on the body 2) managing daily life 3) support. It turns out that men and women have numerous emotional experiences and that fatigue plays a big role in their recovery. Men and women deal with their situation differently. Family and friends mean a lot in the rehabilitation and nurses play an important role in supporting those affected and this is an area with a lot of work to develop.

Conclusion: Nurses need knowledge and understanding of how patients manage and experience their situation after a myocardial infarction, as well as learning the importance of meeting each individual differently, depending on where he or she is in life and what his or her nearest environment look like. A more individualized follow-up and rehabilitation over time need to be developed.