The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Italian Law Must Change to Improve Survival from Cardiac Arrest
Law requiring certificate to use a defibrillator reduces response time MILAN, ITALY--An Italian law requiring citizens to hold a certificate to use a defibrillator must change to improve survival from cardiac arrest, researchers argued today at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2018, a European Society of Cardiology congress. “Automated external… Read More
Cardiac Arrest Survival Greatly Increases When Bystanders Use an Automated External Defibrillator
Study Highlights: Survival from cardiac arrest doubled when bystanders stepped in to use a publicly-available automated external defibrillator rather than wait until emergency responders arrived. The study showed that the longer it takes emergency personnel to arrive, the greater the benefit of a bystander using an AED to shock the victim.… Read More
Medtronic Recalls Certain CRT-Ds and ICDs Due to Manufacturing Error That Can Prevent Electrical Shock Delivery
The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are devices that provide pacing for slow heart rhythms, and electrical shock or pacing to stop… Read More
CPR Survival Rates Are Lower Than Most People Think
The majority of people believe cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is successful more often than it tends to be in reality, according to a small U.S. study. This overly optimistic view, which may partly stem from seeing happy outcomes in television medical dramas, can get in the way of decision-making and frank conversations about end of life… Read More
Carmel, IN, Survivor Shares Story as Bolt for the Heart Donates 90 AEDs to Indiana State Police
CARMEL, IN--Jeff Utzinger frequently runs through his neighborhood to stay healthy, but ironically it nearly killed him. The Carmel resident suffered a cardiac arrest during a run in June 2017, crumpling to the ground unconscious as his heart failed to pump blood to the rest of his body. Without intervention, death usually happens within minutes… Read More
Cybersecurity For Implantable Devices: What Should You Know?
The potential for hacking cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and defibrillators may be a growing problem for patients and health care providers, according to an article by ACC's Electrophysiology Section Council published Feb. 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Adrian M. Baranchuk, MD,… Read More
20 Volunteers Who Took Turns Giving CPR for 96 Minutes Are Reunited with Survivor
When a man had a cardiac arrest in a grocery story in a remote town in Minnesota in 2011, 20 people lined up and performed CPR on him for over an hour and a half until paramedics arrived -- and he survived. The survivor and his rescuers were recently reunited. Said Roger White, MD, of the Mayo Clinic: "I've been waiting for this moment for a long… Read More
Renowned Cardiologist Arthur J. Moss, Pioneer of Research and Treatment in Sudden Death, Passes Away
ROCHESTER, NY--Cardiologist Arthur J. Moss, whose research saved hundreds of thousands of lives and improved the standard of care for legions of people with heart disease, died on February 14, 2018. He was 86. During a career spanning six decades, Moss made some of the most significant and long-lasting discoveries in the prevention and treatment… Read More
Take a Step for Survival
Join or support the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Team at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May 12th. PITTSBURGH, PA--The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is once again participating in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in Pittsburgh. This year's walk will be on Saturday, May 12th. The annual fundraiser is underwritten by… Read More