The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Older Age Associated with Risk of Complications, Death After Implantation of Cardiac Devices
Older patients may be more likely to die in the hospital following the implantation of defibrillators or pacemakers, according to a report in the April 12 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. More than one-fifth of cardiac devices appear to be implanted in individuals age 80 and older, despite the fact that… Read More
Paradise Valley Hospital Named Cardiac Arrest Center
Phoenix, Ariz. –Paradise Valley Hospital recently received notification of recognition as a Cardiac Arrest Center from the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System. Additionally, Paradise Valley Hospital is also recognized and accredited as a Chest Pain Center. To be recognized as a Cardiac… Read More
Wearable Defibrillator Provides Safety for Heart Attack Survivors
Something as easy to wear as your clothes could help save your life. The life of heart attack patient Stacey Alcala nearly ended without warning. "My chest was caving in and my arm was going numb." Alcala had a heart attack, something she never thought would happen at age 29. "I'm very active, eat right - best I can. Exercise a lot." All of that… Read More
Easter Resurrection
An Easter service celebrating the resurrection took on special significance for a New York congregation when a worshiper was revived after at least 17 defibrillator shocks. The dramatic story, reported by our colleague Jane Lerner of The (Westchester, N.Y.) Journal News, tells of Ed Ilarraza, 58, an insurance agent who needed an ambulance after… Read More
Runners Saving Runners
CHARLESTON, NC--A strong faith and a good team of medical professionals is hard to beat. And if you are a runner about to suffer sudden cardiac arrest, there's probably no better place to be than in the midst of a large group of running enthusiasts - who happen to be doctors and nurses - and close to the MUSC Heart and Vascular Center. Steve… Read More
Survivor State Rep. Carney Advocates for AED Placement in Churches
CHARLOTTE, NC--Almost one year to the day that an automated external defibrillator (AED) helped save her life during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), state Rep. Becky Carney launched a program Thursday to make the devices available to others in need. Carney was among a group of dignitaries gathering Thursday morning at the Carole Hoefener Center in… Read More
A Save at the LA Marathon
Jay Yim, 21, had worked on improving his fitness since age 15. In preparation for this year's Los Angeles Marathon on March 21, the University of Southern California pre-med student had been training with a marathon club and regularly did 10-mile runs on his own.The day before the race, he had a carbo-loading dinner with his club members.… Read More
Be Strong - Never Give Up
Claire Dunlap, Boynton Beach, FL – 15 at time of event (2009) The softball team had won that Wednesday afternoon in West Boca High School. Claire, the varsity centerfield starter, was huddled with her team members on right field, talking about the next days practice. She fell over and started to gasp. "I was turning blue and making snorting… Read More
Basketball Buddies Are Lifesavers
A Suwanee man has rebounded quickly from a potentially fatal heart attack with the help of his basketball buddies and lifesaving technology. It was nearing halftime during a recreational league game at Suwanee Sports Academy on Dec. 19 when Mike Lulko suddenly felt dizzy. With his wife and two children watching in the stands, the 49-year-old… Read More