The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Complications Arise in 10% of Cardiac Device Implants
AARHUS, DENMARK--The risk of a complication following the implantation of a cardiac device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), pacemaker, or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, is higher than previously acknowledged, according to the results of a new Danish analysis. Overall, one in 10 patients (9.6%) who… Read More
Mechanical CPR Outcomes Similar to Manual CPR
Manual and mechanically-assisted chest compressions showed no differences in 4-hour survival or neurological outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, researchers found. Compared with manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pneumatic device-assisted chest compressions with defibrillation during compressions had statistically… Read More
Simplification of Therapeutic Hypothermia Named One of Top Scientific Advances in 2013
The American Heart Association has been compiling an annual list of the top 10 major advances in heart disease and stroke science since 1996. Among the the association’s top scientific advances for 2013, one specifically relates to sudden cardiac arrest: Simplifying the cooling of cardiac arrest patients and extending life support. According to… Read More
Positive EP Test Helps ID Post-MI Patients for ICDs
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA--Post–MI patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction who have a negative electrophysiologic study (EPS) showing no inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) can do without the protection of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a new study shows. The patients in the series, all with a left ventricular ejection… Read More
AP Sports Photographer Dave Martin Dies After Collapsing at Bowl Game
ATLANTA, GA -- AP sports photographer Dave Martin died of (sudden cardiac arrest) shortly after collapsing on the turf of the Georgia Dome in the moments following Texas A&M's 52-48 win over Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Tuesday. As time in the game expired, Martin joined other media in rushing onto the field to capture Texas A&M's… Read More
U.S. National Guardsman Credited With Saving a Life
DEVILS LAKE, ND-- A North Dakota National Guard Soldier said his military training helped him know what to do when he witnessed a man collapse in Devils Lake recently. Maj. Mark McEvers, of Devils Lake, was playing in a recreational basketball league at Sweetwater Elementary School Dec. 8. After the first game, a player on the sidelines passed… Read More
Wisconsin Snowboarder Meets Heroes Who Saved His Life
MINNEAPOLIS, MN--Moments after finishing his first snowboard run of the season at Afton Alps, 17-year-old Dan Mannon trudged back to the ski lift Saturday for another crack at the slope. He took a few steps and then crumpled to the ground, going into cardiac arrest. Shane Linehan, a former Washington County sheriff’s deputy standing a few feet… Read More
AEDs Required in Public Places in Manitoba by January 31
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA-- Manitoba's most visible legislative change for the new year won't be seen until the end of January. That's when Premier Greg Selinger's government requires the installation of as many as 8,000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places by Jan. 31. Under the province's Defibrillator Public Access Act, the AEDs… Read More
Palm Beach Lifesaving Campaign: Push for AED Use Expands
PALM BEACH, FL--The Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Department launched its Heart Safe Palm Beach program two years ago to encourage residents and businesses to have automatic external defibrillators on site for emergencies. The devices deliver an electric shock to people in cardiac arrest to restore regular rhythm. With 140 AEDs registered with the… Read More