The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to describe the concerns of middle-aged women when returning to daily life after suffering a life-threating cardiac event such as an acute myocardial infraction and/or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The conceptual framework guiding this study was Roy's adaptation theory. Data analysis of the individual interviews conducted with 6 middle-aged women showed that the woman relied heavily on family and friends for assistance and social support. Several different styles of coping and adaptation were revealed. This information could serve as a valuable toll for helping women to adopt successful change behaviors that reduce future cardiac risk, ultimately improving quality of life.