The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Decline in U.S. cardiac deaths slowing, while county-level disparities grow
Research Highlights: Steady progress in reducing the rates of premature cardiac death in the U.S. began slowing in 2011, largely due to rising rates of out-of-hospital premature cardiac deaths, especially among younger adults. County-level disparities in premature cardiac death rates across the U.S. have widened over the past two decades… Read More
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation announces launch of Oregon Affiliate
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (SCAF), a national nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh, PA, is pleased to announce the launch of an affiliate in Oregon. An estimated 2,200 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Oregon each year. SCAF-Oregon aims to: Form support groups for survivors and family members following… Read More
Three-quarters of adults with COVID-19 have heart damage after recovery
Seventy-eight percent of people diagnosed with COVID-19 showed evidence of heart damage caused by the disease weeks after they have recovered, according to a study published Monday by JAMA Cardiology. Of 100 participants in the study, 78 had evidence of heart damage on magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, according to the researchers. None of the… Read More
New program developed for persons with disabilities to advise others on CPR
First-of-its-kind program empowers those with limited physical abilities to assist others in CPR DALLAS and CHICAGO--A new, first-of-its-kind program has been developed by the American Heart Association in collaboration with the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities (NOND) to meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities by… Read More
Returning to play after coronavirus infection: A perspective from pediatric cardiologists
Typically, during the summer months, pediatricians and family physicians are inundated with requests for sports clearance physicals. This year, as schools and sports reopen, a new question will need to be addressed at these appointments: is it safe for my child to resume physical activity and sports after a COVID-19 infection? There have been… Read More
Genetic testing for heart diseases may help patients and families identify risks
Statement Highlights: Some cardiovascular diseases may be inherited, including cardiomyopathies, arrhythmic disorders, aneurysms and certain types of lipid disorders. The implications of genetic testing extend beyond the original patient, and family members at risk of the same cardiovascular condition should also undergo testing. Genetic… Read More
Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from seeking critical medical care
When seeking critical medical care, minutes count — especially when dealing with cases of suspected heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke. Yet many patients in need of emergency care have delayed or avoided a trip to the hospital fearing possible infection with COVID-19. In the first three months of the pandemic, Penn State Health Milton S.… Read More
Peyton's Law heads to the Governor's desk
HARRISBURG, PA--A bill aimed at educating students and parents about sudden cardiac arrest is now with the governor. The state House and Senate unanimously passed Peyton’s Law. It would require electrocardiogram information to be provided to student-athletes and their parents along with the option to request an EKG during the pre-participation… Read More
Patients overestimate the success of CPR
Doctors should discuss CPR to clarify and inform patients before they consent to it, say researchers Patients and the general public appear to significantly overestimate the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and underestimate the negative impact it can have on a person's health, suggests research published online in Emergency… Read More