Abstract 4368308: Lived Experiences of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical and unexpected event that disrupts survivors’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals who survived SCA, focusing on their adaptation processes and the meaning they ascribed to life after the event. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach based on Giorgi’s methodology was employed. Twelve individuals who experienced SCA, received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and regularly attended a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic in South Korea participated in this study. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the essential structures of participants’ lived experiences. Results: Participants had a mean age of 50.6 years; eight were male and four were female. All were classified as New York Heart Association class I. Five essential themes were derived: (1) Being brought back at the edge of death —experiencing sudden collapse and revival through emergency care; (2) Living in fragile stability —a paradoxical sense of security coexisting with fear of recurrence; (3) Disruption of everyday life —struggles with physical limitations, social isolation, and an uncertainty about the future; (4) Enduring and striving alone —managing psychological distress while attempting to resume normalcy; and (5) Reframing life through a second chance —developing resilience and new meaning in life. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complex and evolving psychological and social adjustment processes experienced by SCA survivors. Long-term, tailored psychosocial support is essential to promote adaptation and reintegration. This study provides foundational insights to inform patient-centered care strategies in clinical settings.