Members of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation’s online community, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Network, recently participated in research conducted by Alex Prescuitti, MA, MSCS, University of Colorado, and his colleagues. Participants included 169 survivors and 43 informal caregivers. Research results were just published in Resuscitation Plus.
Highlights of the study include:
- About 1 in 4 cardiac arrest survivors showed significant posttraumatic stress (PTS).
- Over 1 in 3 informal caregivers showed significant PTS.
- Greater PTS was associated with worse quality of life.
Researchers conclude that PTS is prevalent years after the initial cardiac arrest and is associated with worse quality of life in survivors and informal caregivers. Further study is needed to validate these findings in a larger, representative sample.
“We greatly appreciate the participation of members of our Sudden Cardiac Arrest Network in this research,” said Mary M. Newman, MS, president & CEO of the Foundation, who was one of the co-authors. “This study is part of a growing body of research that will contribute to a better understanding of ways to improve post-resuscitation quality of life for both patients and families.”
To participate in future research studies, join the SCA Network.