The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Mitochondrial DNA Could Predict Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death, Heart Disease
New studies add to evidence of link between mitochondrial DNA copy number and risk for cardiovascular disease BALTIMORE, MD--Johns Hopkins researchers report that the level, or “copy number,” of mitochondrial DNA—genetic information stored not in a cell’s nucleus but in the body’s energy-creating mitochondria—is a novel and distinct biomarker… Read More
Taking Hockey to Heart
Spectators experienced significantly elevated heart rates, equivalent to rates with vigorous exercise, while watching hockey games live or on TV, according to a new study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology MONTREAL, QUEBEC--Sporting events often leave people on the edge of their seats, but what does all that excitement do to their hearts? A… Read More
Low Serum Calcium May Increase Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Findings of a new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings have potential implications for mechanisms as well as prevention of SCA Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is fatal for over 90% of patients, and more than half of men and close to 70% of women who die of SCA have no clinical history of heart disease prior to this cardiac event. It is one of… Read More
Use of CPR, Defibrillators Improves After Public Health Initiatives
After coordinated and comprehensive public health initiatives in North Carolina, more patients received bystander CPR and first-responder defibrillation at home and in public, which was associated with improved survival, according to a study published by JAMA Cardiology. Almost 400,000 Americans experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)… Read More
October Officially Designated National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
The federal government has just named October “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month,” an official national observance. A coalition of nonprofit organizations working to prevent and treat sudden cardiac arrest urges the public to prepare for this life-threatening condition by exploring heart-screening options, learning CPR and how to use automated… Read More
Tom Petty, 'Distinctively American' Rocker, Dies from Cardiac Arrest
LOS ANGELES, CA--Veteran U.S. rocker Tom Petty, whose vibrant guitar riffs, distinctly raw, nasal vocals and slick song lyrics graced such hits as “Refugee,” “Free Fallin’” and “American Girl,” has died. He was 66. Petty suffered cardiac arrest and was found unconscious at his home in Malibu early on Monday morning and was taken to UCLA Medical… Read More
The One Brave Idea™ Science Innovation Center Opens in Boston
Center will host renowned investigators working on “early warning system” to prevent coronary heart disease and its consequences BOSTON, MA--The American Heart Association, Verily and AstraZeneca, today announced the opening of the One Brave Idea™ Science Innovation Center located on Longwood Avenue in Boston. The Center will be home to Calum… Read More
Learn CPR and How to Use an AED During Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation urges the public to learn CPR and how to use an AED. PITTSBURGH, PA--America is facing a public health crisis. More than 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside hospitals each year in the U.S., including 7,000 children. Unfortunately, 90 percent of… Read More
People Are Reluctant to Use Public Defibrillators to Treat Cardiac Arrests
A new study suggests members of the public don’t know what defibrillators are, how to use them, or where to find them. It also suggests organizations don’t feel they should have one or feel unable to obtain one. COVENTRY, UK--A study led by the University of Warwick suggests that people are reluctant to use public access defibrillators to treat… Read More