Poor lifestyle habits of modern society, such as lack of exercise, stress and hectic schedules, poor eating habits and obesity, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse are the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Approximately 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular disease each year, and the most common cardiovascular disease is acute myocardial infarction (AMI). AMI is an emergency in which a large number of patients die before admission to hospital, during treatment and after rehabilitation. Due to the prevalence of the problem worldwide, the importance of emergency services in the care of patients with AMI is extremely important. Nurses play an important role in the recognition and treatment of AMI. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to demonstrate the role and importance of nurses in the care of patients with AMI in the emergency department of a general hospital. In addition to theory, qualitative research was conducted using itrerview method. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with three former patients (who overcame AMI ) of Varaždin General Hospital gave an insight into the real situation and experience of patients with AMI and their quality of life after AMI. The research showed the importance of good communication and contact of interviewees with nurses and how much they helped them to feel safe and calm during the treatment and while waiting for the results. In conclusion, lifestyle changes are needed for individuals and the community as a whole and the focus should be on education about risk factors and ways to prevent CVD. The changes would be effective if medical experts, the whole community, and governmental and non-governmental organizations work together. There is also a need to provide ongoing training to health professionals and to emphasize the importance of the psychological component, i.e., the importance of empathy in their work.