The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.

Virus that causes COVID-19 increases risk of cardiac events

OAK BROOK, IL. -- A new study found severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was associated with the rapid growth of plaque in the coronary arteries and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The results were published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). “COVID-19,… Read More

Heart disease remains leading cause of death as key health risk factors continue to rise

Fueled by ongoing increases in high blood pressure, obesity and other major risk factors, heart disease continues to kill more people in the U.S. than any other cause, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Highlights: According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and… Read More

Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Conditions in Athletes (ORCCA) Study

PITTSBURGH, PA -- The Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Conditions in Athletes (ORCCA) study aims to examine cardiovascular outcomes, mental health and quality of life, and sports eligibility decision‐making in competitive athletes aged 14 to <35 years diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition at risk for SCA.  The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation… Read More

Exposure to aircraft noise linked to worse heart function

People who live close to airports and are exposed to high aircraft noise levels could be at greater risk of poor heart function, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms and strokes, according to a new study led by UCL researchers. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), … Read More

A snowstorm’s a-brewing — be careful out there to stay heart-healthy

The American Heart Association cautions that the extra exertion of shoveling snow in extremely cold temperatures can be deadly for many DALLAS, TX -- Walking in a winter wonderland may sound serene and peaceful, however, shoveling your sidewalks to take that walk could quickly change delightful to deadly. According to the American Heart… Read More

CHPI researchers find public-access AED readiness alarmingly low

Twenty-one percent of public access AEDs sampled nationally failed at least one phase of testing. LOUISVILLE, KY -- No national standards exist for the maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and their registration with manufacturers, making these practices voluntary and highly variable. What the public may not realize, however,… Read More

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation: Passing the torch

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation has announced the retirement of Mary M. Newman, MS, from her role as President and CEO. Newman, who co-founded the Foundation in 2005, will continue to oversee its Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance (CASA), an online community supporting individuals impacted by cardiac arrest. With a master’s degree in nonprofit… Read More

President Biden signs bipartisan HEARTS Act into law

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Biden earlier this week signed into law the bipartisan Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, which will help ensure students and staff in schools nationwide are prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. The bipartisan legislation unanimously passed the U.S. House… Read More

Stan Wisniewski, 94, celebrates 70 years since his survival from sudden cardiac arrest

Stan is the oldest known survivor of sudden cardiac arrest. Today, Stan Wisniewski, 94, celebrates 70 years since he survived sudden cardiac arrest. “I am forever thankful to the three physicians who cared for me and literally saved my life,” said Stan. “The miraculous thing is that the next day, I was completely lucid and able to communicate… Read More

Pallone’s HEARTS Act passes Senate, heads to President Biden’s desk

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that his H.R. 6829, the HEARTS Act, has passed the U.S. Senate, marking a significant victory for public health. The bill, which overwhelmingly passed the House in September, now heads to President Biden’s desk for signature into law. The HEARTS Act—formally known as the… Read More