The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Still top cause of death, the types of heart disease people are dying from is changing
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States, but the types of heart-related conditions claiming lives are changing. According to the latest analysis from the American Heart Association, deaths from heart attacks have dropped significantly over the past two decades—thanks to improved prevention, faster emergency care,… Read More
Study Shows Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Dropped During the Pandemic — and Haven’t Recovered
According to new research from UT Southwestern Medical Center, survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The study analyzed more than 600,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from 2015 to 2022, finding that promising progress made before the pandemic… Read More
Join the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation in Phoenix for the 2025 CASSummit!
Registration is Open: 2025 Cardiac Arrest Survival Summit The Cardiac Arrest Survival Summit (CASSummit) is a biennial event hosted by the Citizen CPR Foundation that brings together a diverse, interdisciplinary audience committed to strengthening the chain of survival. Attendees include healthcare professionals, first responders, educators,… Read More
SCAF's CASA Program Fills a Critical Need, New ERC Survey Confirms
Surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is just the beginning of a long and often challenging journey. Survivors frequently face lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts—yet structured support for recovery remains limited. That’s why survivor-centered programs like the Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance (CASA), created by the Sudden Cardiac… Read More
Week of Action Ignites National Engagement During National CPR & AED Awareness Week
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation proudly led a powerful Week of Action during National CPR & AED Awareness Week (June 1–7)—a nationwide effort to raise awareness, inspire training, and build readiness to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Through daily themes, social media engagement, national giveaways, and a growing network of… Read More
SCAF Attends 5th Annual CPR + AED Awareness Rally & March in Washington, D.C.
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation was proud to take part in the 5th Annual CPR + AED Awareness Rally & March in Washington, D.C.—an inspiring weekend filled with connection, advocacy, and heartfelt momentum for lifesaving change. Hosted by Ed Kosiec, leader of Every Second Counts CPR and SCAF board member, the event brought together… Read More
Male bodybuilders face high risk of sudden cardiac death, especially those who compete professionally
A new study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for a significant number of deaths among male bodybuilders, especially at the professional level. The study found that among 20,286 male bodybuilders who competed between 2005 and 2020, 121 deaths were identified. The average age at death was 45… Read More
People with critical cardiovascular disease may benefit from palliative care
The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a new scientific statement emphasizing the value of palliative care for individuals with serious cardiovascular disease, including survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on relieving symptoms, easing emotional distress, improving quality of life… Read More
Signs identified that precede sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in young people
Key take-aways A retrospective observational study found that 22% of cases of sudden cardiac death were due to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). Syncope, seizure-like episodes and changes in electrocardiograms were common signs that preceded SADS. Identifying these signs is important during healthcare visits and also during… Read More