The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Mysterious heart damage, not just lung troubles, befalling COVID-19 patients
While the focus of the COVID-19 pandemic has been on respiratory problems and securing enough ventilators, doctors on the front lines are grappling with a new medical mystery. In addition to lung damage, many COVID-19 patients are also developing heart problems — and dying of cardiac arrest. As more data comes in from China and Italy, as well… Read More
Interim guidance for pediatric resuscitation care to reduce COVID-19 transmission
American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics outline specific guidance when caring for patients DALLAS, TX -- The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the leading voice for pediatric health, have released interim… Read More
Drugs considered for COVID-19 can raise risk for dangerous abnormal heart rhythms
OHSU, Indiana University paper advises caution, monitoring if drug combination used As some consider treating coronavirus patients with a combination of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin, cardiologists are advising caution because both medications can increase the risk for dangerous abnormal heart rhythms. In… Read More
Intravenous sodium nitrite ineffective for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
No survival differences seen in randomized, placebo-controlled trial Among patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, intravenous sodium nitrite given by paramedics during resuscitation did not significantly improve their chances of being admitted to or discharged from the hospital alive, according to research presented at the American… Read More
NIH-funded studies show stents and surgery no better than medication, lifestyle changes at reducing the risk for heart attack
NIH-funded studies find stents, surgery provide higher quality of life for those with chest pain Invasive procedures such as bypass surgery and stenting--commonly used to treat blocked arteries--are no better at reducing the risk for heart attack and death in patients with stable ischemic heart disease than medication and lifestyle changes alone… Read More
Nation's EMS agencies need help to combat the COVID-19 pandemic
CLINTON, MS -- Across the country, in large urban areas as well as small rural communities, EMTs and paramedics are serving on the frontlines of our nation's war against the COVID-19 pandemic, oftentimes without the necessary supplies and equipment to ensure the safety of their patients and themselves. Emergency medical services (EMS) are… Read More
Annual 5K walk goes virtual
The 5K Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in Pittsburgh has been canceled. But you can still help raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest by virtually joining or supporting our team. All donations to our team directly benefit the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Click here to help raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest. Out of an… Read More
Hospitals consider universal do-not-resuscitate orders for coronavirus patients
Worry that ‘all hands’ responses may expose doctors and nurses to infection prompts debate about prioritizing the survival of the many over the one Hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic are engaged in a heated private debate over a calculation few have encountered in their lifetimes — how to weigh the “save at all costs” approach to… Read More
Study shows key factors for reducing brain damage from cardiac arrest
Osaka University-led research finds predictors of better response to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), which can improve blood flow OSAKA, JAPAN -- People who suffer cardiac arrest usually have low likelihood of survival, especially if it happens out of the hospital. Those who do survive can have neurological damage due to the… Read More