The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.

It's Time to Put the "Public" in Public Defibrillation

Many people say they would shy away from using a defibrillator. Boston, MA (PRWEB)--Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are the best—and often last—hope for people who collapse when their hearts lapse into a fast, irregular, and deadly heartbeat known as ventricular fibrillation. These shock-delivering devices are becoming a standard fixture… Read More

Genetic Defects May Predict Sudden Cardiac Death Risk

Sudden cardiac death is always a shocking, tragic event, especially when it occurs at a young age. But, for the first time, scientists are unraveling how genetic defects can help predict the risk of dying suddenly in individuals with one of the leading causes of this unfortunate phenomenon. This knowledge could guide treatment and potentially… Read More

FDA Elevates Level of AED Recall

WASHINGTON -- The FDA has elevated the status of a recall of a semi-automatic external defibrillator series to class I -- the agency's most serious -- because of a defect that cancels the shock it is meant to deliver. Manufacturer Defibtech said in a statement that the Lifeline AED and ReviveR AED brands of the DDU-100 series with 2.004 software… Read More

ARC Rolls Out New CPR-AED Training Program for Professionals

  The American Red Cross has rolled out the next generation of its CPR and AED training for professional rescuers and health care providers -- those with a duty to act. They include EMS personnel, firefighters, athletic trainers, and lifeguards. The CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers program is a 5.5-hour course updated… Read More

People Who Suffer SCA in Exercise Facilities Have Better Chance of Survival than Those Suffering SCA in Other Public Places

  SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- You stand a better chance of survival if your heart stops beating while you’re in an exercise facility than if you’re in another type of indoor public place, a new study found. Overall, 50 percent of cardiac arrest victims survived if the attack occurred in a public place where some sort of exercise was happening, whereas… Read More

New Study Demonstrates Accurate Method of Predicting SCA in Patients with Damaged Hearts

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cambridge Heart, Inc., a developer of non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, today announced that new data presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco confirm the diagnostic value of Microvolt T-wave Alternans (MTWA) testing in identifying patients at risk of… Read More

ALTITUDE Study Shows ICD Therapy Saves Lives without Increasing Mortality from Defibrillator Shock

NATICK, Mass. and SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced results from an analysis of its ALTITUDE® Clinical Science program, which demonstrated that defibrillator therapy saves lives from lethal arrhythmias without an increase in mortality due to defibrillator shock.  Instead, the… Read More

S-ICD is Viable Alternative to Conventional Implantable Defibrillators

A multi-center Dutch study presented at Heart Rhythm 2011 shows effectiveness of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator system in largest clinical observation to date SAN FRANCISCO, May 4, 2011 — A new subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) system accurately detected and successfully converted all episodes of… Read More

Lady Gaga Fan Saved with AED at Concert

NASHVILLE--At a recent Lady Gaga concert in Tennessee, 33-year-old Crystal Thorton suffered a seizure and her heart stopped beating.  In a crowded show, EMTs were able to respond quickly, and with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), were able to get her heart beating again after five minutes.  Doctors said Friday that without… Read More

Canadian Prime Minister Announces $10 Million Plan for AEDs in Hockey Arenas and Recreation Centers

CONCEPTION BAY, NL, Canada--Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a $10 million plan to fund life-saving automated external defibrillators and related training in hockey arenas and community recreation centers across Canada. “Defibrillator placement and training are essential steps in helping Canadians save lives,” says Bobbe Wood, CEO,… Read More