The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
FDA reiterates importance of close patient supervision for ‘off-label’ use of antimalarial drugs to mitigate known risks, including heart rhythm problems
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Drug Safety Communication regarding known side effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, including serious and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm problems, that have been reported with their use for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, for which they are not approved by the FDA… Read More
The new pandemic threat: People may die because they’re not calling 911
Leaders of major national organizations - dedicated to saving people from heart disease and stroke - speak out DALLAS, TX -- Reports from the front lines of hospitals indicate a marked drop in the number of heart attacks and strokes nationally. But, COVID-19 is definitely not stopping people from having heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests… Read More
Breathing heavy wildfire smoke may increase risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Research Highlights: Heavy wildfire smoke may raise the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, researchers advise people to stay indoors with doors and windows closed, to use high-efficiency air filters in air conditioning systems, avoid exertion, and consider seeking shelter elsewhere if the home does… Read More
Interim CPR guidelines address challenges of providing resuscitation during COVID-19 pandemic
DALLAS, TX -- With COVID-19 incidence currently increasing exponentially worldwide, the percentage of cardiac arrests with COVID-19 are also likely to increase. The evolving and expanding outbreak of COVID-19 cases creates challenges around resuscitation efforts and requires potential modifications of established processes and practices. The… Read More
Caution recommended on COVID-19 treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for patients with cardiovascular disease
DALLAS, TX -- The global impact of COVID-19 continues to surge, and every day, the scientific community learns more about the impact and interaction of cardiovascular diseases with COVID-19. Together, the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) jointly published this new… Read More
Mysterious heart damage, not just lung troubles, befalling COVID-19 patients
While the focus of the COVID-19 pandemic has been on respiratory problems and securing enough ventilators, doctors on the front lines are grappling with a new medical mystery. In addition to lung damage, many COVID-19 patients are also developing heart problems — and dying of cardiac arrest. As more data comes in from China and Italy, as well… Read More
Interim guidance for pediatric resuscitation care to reduce COVID-19 transmission
American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics outline specific guidance when caring for patients DALLAS, TX -- The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the leading voice for pediatric health, have released interim… Read More
Drugs considered for COVID-19 can raise risk for dangerous abnormal heart rhythms
OHSU, Indiana University paper advises caution, monitoring if drug combination used As some consider treating coronavirus patients with a combination of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin, cardiologists are advising caution because both medications can increase the risk for dangerous abnormal heart rhythms. In… Read More
Intravenous sodium nitrite ineffective for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
No survival differences seen in randomized, placebo-controlled trial Among patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, intravenous sodium nitrite given by paramedics during resuscitation did not significantly improve their chances of being admitted to or discharged from the hospital alive, according to research presented at the American… Read More