The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
World’s Largest Cardiac Arrest Trial Shows Longer Period of Initial CPR by Paramedics and Firefighters Provides No Benefit
A study involving nearly 10,000 cardiac arrest patients from 10 North American regions has shown that extending the period of initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by paramedics and firefighters from one to three minutes provides no benefit. The study, led by Dr. Ian Stiell of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), the University of… Read More
Studies: Increasing Complications for Pacemakers and ICDs
NEW YORK– Implantation of cardiac implantable electrophysiological devices (CIED) is associated with increasing rates of complications and mortality, according to results of 3 studies published in the August 23rd online Journal of the American College of Cardiology. There have been dramatic increases in the implantation of these devices, largely… Read More
Report on AED Failures: A Reminder that Maintenance is Vital
WASHINGTON-- More than 1,000 cardiac arrest deaths over 15 years are connected to the failure of automated external defibrillators (AEDs); battery failure accounted for almost one-quarter of the failures. The study was published online last week in Annals of Emergency Medicine ("Analysis of Automated External Defibrillator Device Failures Reported… Read More
Patients With ICDs Live Longer, However Pacing is Crucial
Adverse effects of right ventricular pacing on the survival of ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) patients are long term, researchers from the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital explained, however, CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) lessens the impact. The scientists presented their findings at the… Read More
The Joint Commission Issues Landmark Monograph on Challenge of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
PITTSBURGH-- The Joint Commission has released a landmark monograph addressing community-based efforts for the treatment and follow-up of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Meeting the Challenge is targeted to healthcare professionals who care for cardiac patients, including those who survive SCA. The monograph was developed by a… Read More
Harris's Legacy: A Heart Filled with Love
WINNIPEG--If anyone had reason to hate it was Richard Harris, but instead he chose to love, and that will be his lasting legacy. Harris was once forced to sit in a car eating peanut butter sandwiches with his black teammates while white team members dined on steak inside a hotel. He faced prejudice for many years of his too-short life, but wouldn… Read More
Research Demonstrates Benefits of Therapeutic Hypothermia
Underused technology holds great promise Research continues to demonstrate the positive role of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. In the July 12, 2011 issue of Circulation, Michael Mooney, et al. from Minneapolis Heart Institute and Northwestern University in Chicago published data on 140… Read More
CARES Report Points to Need to Increase Bystander Intervention in Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Each year, approximately 295,000 persons in the United States experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Approximately 92% of persons who experience an OHCA event die. An OHCA is defined as cessation of cardiac mechanical activity that occurs outside of the hospital setting and is confirmed by the absence of signs of circulation.… Read More
Vest Saves a Life
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL--John Whitsett strummed a guitar Monday. He works hard and he plays nicely in a band in St. Augustine, Florida In February he was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, a heart condition that can be fatal. In March Whitsett was prescribed a wearable defibrillator, appropriately called a Life Vest, which could jump-start his… Read More