The recovery journey after surviving cardiac arrest is different for everyone. No matter what stage of recovery you are at, we are here to support you.
We have compiled resources and details of organisations from around the UK to support you on your recovery journey.
If you start experiencing symptoms significantly impacting your quality of life, please visit your GP. In an emergency always call 999.
Understanding a cardiac arrest
Explore the British Heart Foundation (BHF)’s ‘Cardiac arrest’ section, a repository of information, covering FAQs, comprehensive details on symptoms and causes of a cardiac arrest, detailed insights into immediate, mid-term, and long-term recovery, and guidance on seeking medical assistance.
Cardiac arrest survivor peer support
Cardiac arrest survivor peer support groups can help you meet others that have been through a similar experience to you. Many report that peer support has helped them adjust both emotionally and physically during their recovery journey.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK (SCA UK) provide peer support and practical help on a range of issues for cardiac arrest survivors across the UK. They can also arrange psychological counselling.
Sudden Arrhythmic Death UK (SADS UK) assists cardiac arrest survivors by arranging peer-to-peer support and psychological counselling.
Talk to other cardiac arrest survivors by joining Resuscitation Council UK’s (RCUK) survivor forum. The forum is a supportive space where survivors and co-survivors can share their experiences and help shape a more inclusive future for survivor care. Contact us at communications@resus.org.uk to learn more.
Talk to someone
BHF’s Heart Helpline connects you to a qualified nurse and offers you a place to share your experience and receive guidance on your cardiac arrest recovery journey. Call 0808 802 1234 (freephone). The nurses are available to speak on weekdays 09:00-17:00. You can also email them at hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk or chat online.
Sudden Arrhythmic Death UK (SADS UK) provides the opportunity to speak with qualified counsellors. You can contact them on 01277 811 215.
Headway is a UK-wide charity dedicated to improving life after brain injury, providing information, rehabilitation, and emotional support to survivors, their families, and carers. You can contact them on 0808 800 2244.
Support for 12-35 year olds
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) provides tailored resources and support specifically designed for young cardiac arrest survivors, ranging from ages 12-35 years old.