WASHINGTON, DC — Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims more lives each year than breast cancer, lung cancer or AIDS, yet according to a new Heart Rhythm Society survey, four out of five Americans vastly underestimate the severity of this serious public health issue that causes more than 250,000 deaths each year. In response to these startling statistics, the Heart Rhythm Society is calling attention to the need for more public education and research, as well as wider access to life-saving SCA treatments during the first ever Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month in October.

A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month,” S. Con. Res. 93: A concurrent resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, first introduced on July 15, 2008, was passed in the Senate today.

Sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan [D-ND] and co-sponsored by Sen. Robert Bennett [R-UT], Sen. Sherrod Brown [D-OH], Sen. Susan Collins [R-ME], Sen. Michael Crapo [R-ID], and Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL], the legislation is designed to focus the nation on a leading cause of death in the U.S.: sudden cardiac arrest.