The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Middle-Aged Male Runners at Higher Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death During Marathons
The risk for sudden cardiac arrest during marathons is small. However, a new study indicates that the last three miles are the most dangerous, especially for males (average age of 49). Most people who survived (17/20) were treated quickly with defibrillators. The take home message: (1) Get checked by your physician before participating in a… Read More
Can Energy Drinks Cause Sudden Cardiac Death?
Parents sue Monster after Dec. 23, 2011 death of 14-year-old, attributing it to “cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity.” Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST)’s energy drinks have been cited in the deaths of five people in the past year, according to incident reports that doctors and companies submit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The… Read More
ICDs Are Not a Luxury
Implantable devices for treating cardiac arrhythmias, which include ICDs, are underused in parts of Europe. Conclusions of the ICD for Life Summit held in Belgrade, Serbia. BELGRADE - “Implantable devices can save lives and decrease mortality, they are not a luxury” said Professor Angelo Auricchio, President of the European Heart Rhythm… Read More
Wireless Medical Devices Vulnerable to Hacking
A heart defibrillator remotely controlled by a villainous hacker to trigger a fatal heart attack? It may only happen in the movies, but the Government Accountability Office (GAO) doesn’t want to take any chances. In a recent report from the GAO, the non-partisan agency, which investigates issues for Congress, says the threat that hackers could… Read More
Lack of Awareness about SCA Leads to Increased Risk for African-Americans
WASHINGTON -- Lack of awareness and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) puts African Americans at greater risk of death from the condition, according to a new national survey released today by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). The survey findings uncovered significant perception gaps between healthcare providers and consumers when it comes to… Read More
University of Pittsburgh Hosts Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Among Participating Organizations PITTSBURGH--The University of Pittsburgh basketball program hosted the Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair Sunday as part of Pitt’s Homecoming and 225-year celebration. The Fair included free blood pressure and health screenings and educational heart health displays, including CPR-AED… Read More
Study: Recycled Heart Devices Offer New Life in Poor Nation
For at least eight years, a Philadelphia heart specialist and his colleagues have been smuggling used cardiac devices in suitcases to India to help poor people who might die without them. Now, Dr. Behzad B. Pavri, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, reports that recycled implantable cardioverter-defibrillators or… Read More
Marathon Runner Recovering After Cardiac Arrest
CHICAGO--A runner who suffered sudden cardiac arrest during Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon collapsed within a block of a medical tent, marathon organizers said. The 47-year-old man was approaching the 21st mile on the Near South Side when a medical school student and a doctor saw him collapse, Dr. George Chiampas, the marathon's medical… Read More
Innovative Heart Defibrillator Offers Alternative for Regulating Heartbeat
OTTAWA – A new ground-breaking technology was recently used at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) where two cardiologists, Dr. David Birnie and Dr. Pablo Nery, implanted a new innovative leadless defibrillator, the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD), to a 18-year-old patient. Under Health Canada’s special… Read More