Experiences of cardiac arrest survivors among young exercisers in Norway: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To explore how young exercisers experience surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), focusing on interpretation of warning signs and experiences with the healthcare system.

Methods

The study had a qualitative design, and data was collected using individual, semi-structured interviews. Inclusion criteria were SCA survivors aged 18-50 years old who reported at least five hours of exercise/week prior to SCA, or who suffered SCA during or ≤60 min after exercise.

Results

18 interviews were performed (4 females), age range 19-49 years old. Analysis identified the themes [1] neglected warning signs, [2] fluctuating between gratitude and criticism and [3] one size does not fit all. When young exercisers experienced symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, arrythmia, shortness

SUBMITTER: Hardeland C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9424599 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature