<p>Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of pressure ulcer (PU) development in elderly patients admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Method: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June to August 2016. All of the eligible elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) admitted to a cardiac surgery ICU ward were invited to participate. Patients’ skin was assessed for PU development using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel staging system and the Braden scale before and after their operation (at the time of cardiac ICU admission) and once per day until discharge for signs of PU development. Results: Of the 52 participants, 27 (51.9%) developed a PU; nine cases after the operation/at the time of ICU admission and 18 cases in the days following the operation. Of these, 94.3% were Grade I and 5.7% were Grade II. Factors such as low Braden score, longer intubation, surgery and nil by mouth times, low ejection fraction, low blood creatinine level before surgery, the presence of diabetes and hypertension significantly increased the risk of PUs. Conclusion: The risk of PU development in elderly patients who are admitted to cardiac ICU after open heart surgery is high.</p>