The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Communication may guide family members’ decisions after sudden cardiac death
Type and timing of communication affects families’ genetic screening rates, finds new study in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal Surviving family members of a person who died from sudden cardiac death rely on information from death investigators and health care professionals to process their relative’s death and understand… Read More
Families need good communication following a sudden cardiac death
When a person dies suddenly from cardiac arrest – especially if they are young – family members often struggle to understand what happened. How well death investigators and health care professionals communicate with family members about the causes of sudden cardiac deaths may influence their decision to seek screening for inherited heart… Read More
A video-based decision support tool may aid decision-making for Black individuals considering ICD implantation
A randomized clinical trial of Black patients eligible for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) found that the use of a video-based decision support tool increased knowledge of, but not assent to ICD implantation. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Current clinical guidelines recommend that patients with… Read More
Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Posey, Sen. Booker introduce legislation to increase students’ access to AEDs
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Bill Posey (R-FL) will introduce the Access to AEDs Act to promote students' access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools. “Ensuring that the right tools and training are in place can save a life. The nation watched this unfold with Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo… Read More
Commotio cordis underrecognized, undertreated outside of sports
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) due to commotio cordis occurs more frequently in non-sport-related settings than is commonly thought, resulting in lower rates of resuscitation and increased mortality, especially among young women, a new review suggests. The condition is rare, caused by an often fatal arrhythmia secondary to a blunt, nonpenetrating… Read More
NFL founds coalition to advance adoption of life-saving policies for student athletes
The Smart Heart Sports Coalition launches nationwide campaign to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest among high school athletes. Professional Sports and Leading Public Health, Nonprofit and Patient Advocacy Organizations will advocate state adoption of best practice medical emergency policies NFL Foundation commits $1 million in grants to… Read More
Women are more likely to experience long-term anxiety after cardiac arrest than men
More than 40% of women report anxiety four months after a cardiac arrest compared with 23% of men. MARSEILLE, FRANCE – More than 40% of women report anxiety four months after a cardiac arrest compared with 23% of men, according to research presented today at ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of… Read More
From survival to survivorship: The Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation has launched a novel online community for people affected by sudden cardiac arrest—the Cardiac Arrest Survivor AllianceTM. CASA is a home for patients, families, friends, caregivers, and advocates. The community offers peer support, evidence-based information, monthly webinars, and access to experts—all… Read More
Cardiac risks appear low for elite athletes with diagnosed, treated genetic heart disease
Analysis finds most athletes had no cardiac events over seven years, underscoring importance of shared decision-making Ninety-five percent of athletes with a diagnosed and treated genetic heart disease experienced no disease-triggered cardiac events, such as cardiogenic fainting or seizures, implantable cardio-defibrillator (ICD) shocks, sudden… Read More