Reducing the damage caused by cardiac arrest
Researchers highlight disparities in bystander CPR for Latino victims of cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia also shows promise in reducing mortality and neurological damage after cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Arrest
Articles tagged with Cardiac Arrest
New data finds recalls of automated external defibrillators to be common
Between 1996 and 2005, the FDA issued 52 advisories involving AEDs or accessories, affecting over 385,000 devices. More than one in five AEDs were recalled due to potential malfunctions, with electrical and software problems being the most common causes.
Even a little cooling helps after cardiac arrest
Researchers found that cooling a person by 2°C during the first day after resuscitation can significantly improve their chances of recovering from cardiac arrest. The study, which used rats to replicate human brain injury, showed that even modest cooling of the brain can have beneficial effects on recovery.
Best settings for biphasic automated defibrillators investigated
The study found that escalating biphasic energy regimens were more successful in terminating ventricular fibrillation (VF) and converting to an organized rhythm for secondary shocks. However, the difference was not seen in overall survival rates.
National study to test ResQ-Valve with CPR in cardiac arrest patients
A national pilot study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers showed that the use of ResQ-Valve with CPR increases short-term survival in patients with cardiac arrest heart rhythm called 'pulseless electrical activity'. The device facilitates venous blood return to the chest, increasing forward blood flow during CPR.
Bringing hearts back to life
A landmark study published in JAMA found that children fare better than adults in surviving pulseless cardiac arrests with over 27% of children and 18% of adults surviving hospital discharge. The research, based on data from the National Registry of CPR, also highlights a need for refining emergency cardiovascular care procedures.
Largest study of in-hospital cardiac arrest suggests how to improve outcomes for children and adults
Researchers found that hospital caregivers need to tailor their resuscitations to a patient's situation, with respiratory failure more common than arrhythmia in adults. The study suggests that CPR may succeed more often than physicians believe, leading to better survival rates and neurological outcomes for children and adults.
Study finds defibrillators available in many high schools
A study by the University of Iowa found that 37% of high schools have defibrillators, but surprisingly, cardiac arrests are relatively uncommon in these schools, with a rate of about 2 percent per year. In contrast, senior centers had higher rates of cardiac arrests, with only 10% having defibrillators.
The intriguing problem of arrhythmias in competitive athletes
A study monitored 2640 competitive athletes with arrhythmias, finding that 62 reported cardiac arrests and 38 were resuscitated. Illicit drugs, particularly anabolic steroids, increase the risk of lethal arrhythmias in athletes. Monitoring and treatment are crucial for young athletes and elite competitors.
15 minutes training enough to save lives with an automated external defibrillator
Untrained individuals can use automated external defibrillators quickly and safely after basic theoretical explanation. The performance improves dramatically after training, reducing response times from over a minute to under 1 minute.
CPR performance does not follow guidelines
A study found that chest compressions were given only 48% of the time without spontaneous circulation, with an average compression rate of 64/min. The researchers emphasize the importance of focusing on delivery of correct chest compressions during CPR to improve patient survival.
Study of CPR quality reveals frequent deviation from guidelines
Researchers found that chest compressions during CPR are often too slow, shallow, and interrupted, while ventilation rates are usually too high. The study used an investigational monitor/defibrillator to measure CPR quality and compared the results to American Heart Association guidelines.
Quality of in-hospital CPR may fail to meet guidelines
A study found that in-hospital CPR was often performed suboptimally, with many patients experiencing chest compression rates below 90 per minute and ventilation rates above 20/min. The researchers suggest that improving monitoring and feedback systems could help improve CPR quality.
Implantable heart defibrillators
A prospective follow-up study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators can significantly reduce the risk of recurring cardiac arrests after out-of-hospital incidents. Increasing access to these devices could have a substantial impact on reducing Canada's high mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest may hinder ability to learn certain tasks
Research suggests that cardiac arrest can cause structural changes in neurons, leading to memory deficits and behavioral changes. The study found that mice with a heart attack had difficulty learning new spatial tasks compared to healthy mice.
Effectiveness of chest compression devise to be tested by University of Pittsburgh
Researchers will test the effectiveness of a mechanical chest compression device to treat out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. The study aims to improve survival rates, which have remained stagnant for 30 years, and has the potential to benefit millions.
Expert calls for standard epinephrine doses when treating children in cardiac arrest
According to Dr. George Lister, using high-dose epinephrine in children may impair organ function and survival after cardiac arrest. Limiting doses to recommended levels can reduce errors and improve outcomes.
Surgery cuts cardiac arrests among those with rare heart disorder
A 40-minute surgical procedure called left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) reduces the risk of cardiac arrest and fainting episodes in people with long QT syndrome, a rare heart disorder. The study found that LCSD surgery reduced cardiac events by 91 percent compared to pre-surgery rates.
Study finds factors impeding bystander CPR
A study of 404 sudden cardiac arrest victims found that almost half did not receive CPR before EMS arrival. The most common reasons for no CPR included physical limitations, victim location, and signs of life.
Hospital work shifts influence survival from cardiac arrest
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that hospital staff preparedness significantly impacts survival rates for cardiac arrests during night shifts. The research indicates that patients experiencing cardiac arrest at night have a lower survival rate compared to those who experience it during the day or evening shifts.
News tips for Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003
A trial of the clot-busting drug tenecteplase suggests it may improve outcomes in some cases of cardiac arrest. A pharmacist-managed service also showed promising results by reducing recidivism among CVD patients, with women achieving lower target cholesterol levels.
Public access defibrillator use increasing
The study found that public access defibrillation increased from 0.82% to 2.05% between 1999 and 2002, with a 50% survival rate for those treated. Over 4,000 people were trained to use the devices, and 457 AEDs were registered.
One use every seven years makes automated external defibrillators a good buy
A study by the University of Iowa and Michigan found that defibrillators in high-risk locations, such as hospitals and airports, are cost-effective. However, low-risk sites like schools and hotels are not economically viable options due to low usage rates.
Hypothermia helps brain heal after cardiac arrest, finds University of Pittsburgh study
Researchers found that cooling the brain to 33 degrees Celsius increased survival rates and reduced microscopic brain injury by half. Hypothermia treatment also stimulated brain recovery by increasing growth factors derived from glia-cells in the brain.
Chest compression device outperforms manual CPR
A new chest compression device has been shown to restore blood flow four times better than manual compressions, potentially saving more lives. Researchers tested the device on 20 pigs in cardiac arrest and found it restored vital organs with improved oxygenation.
Shocking the heart after prolonged cardiac arrest may be harmful, say Pitt researchers
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that shocking the heart after prolonged cardiac arrest can cause further damage, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. The study suggests that waiting a few minutes before defibrillation may be a more effective approach.
University of Pittsburgh study finds marker for blood clots in cardiac arrest patients
A University of Pittsburgh study found a marker for blood clots in patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. The researchers identified increased clotting in veins, which worsens with longer cardiac arrest duration.
NIH supports ice slurry at Argonne
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing an ice slurry procedure to cool the blood and brain cells after cardiac arrests, with the goal of improving survival rates. The ice slurry cools the brain by 2-5 degrees Celsius quickly, giving medics more time to revive normal blood flow and brain activity.
Triggers for sudden cardiac death differ by gender
A study of 122 men and women who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrests found that women were more likely to report psychological stressors as triggers before their arrest, while men were more likely to report physical exertion. The study suggests that emotional triggers may play a role in sudden cardiac death for women.
Researchers determine best possible drug option for cardiac arrest
A new study found that amiodarone is the most effective anti-arrhythmic drug for treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with almost twice as many patients surviving compared to lidocaine. The ALIVE trial provides clear guidelines for emergency responders and hospital staff on the best treatment option.
Near-death experience remains a mystery
A study of 344 cardiac patients who experienced a near-death experience (NDE) after cardiac arrest found that younger patients were more likely to report NDEs, while deeper experiences were more common among women. Longitudinal follow-up revealed increased beliefs in an afterlife and reduced fear of death among those with NDEs.
Automated external defibrillators to become as widespread as fire extinguishers, UT Southwestern researchers say
UT Southwestern researchers say automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by anyone with minimal training, and are becoming increasingly widespread. Studies have shown that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.
Common chest blows can cause sudden death in children
Researchers found that chest blows from objects such as baseballs or swings can lead to commotio cordis, a type of sudden cardiac death. The study identified 124 cases, with most victims being male children under 12 years old, and emphasized the importance of public education and awareness in preventing these incidents.
Method to restart the heart after traumatic injury and bleeding caused it to stop may help save lives now almost certainly lost
Researchers at UNC developed a technique to deliver oxygen-carrying fluid to resuscitate the heart after cardiac arrest. The method, selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP), has shown promising results in animal studies and may help save trauma victims by allowing surgeons to repair damage.
Risk of accidents no greater for drivers with cardiac arrhythmias
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with cardiac arrhythmias have a similar accident rate to healthy drivers. The study, which analyzed data from over 600 patients, showed that only 11% of accidents were preceded by potential arrhythmia symptoms.
Defibrillators offer safe landing for cardiac arrest
The Chicago HeartSave Program successfully reduced sudden cardiac deaths at O'Hare and Midway Airports by placing AEDs one minute apart, making them easy to spot. The devices helped minimize critical response times to emergency care and improved survival rates for victims of ventricular fibrillation.
UT Southwestern researchers find automated external defibrilators are safe and effective aboard airplanes
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest victims aboard aircraft, with a survival rate of 40% in a two-year study. The smaller, automated device requires less training to use safely and is approved for airline use.
Study launched to test public access defibrillation
A large multi-center study is testing the life-saving potential and cost effectiveness of public access defibrillation (PAD). PAD involves placing defibrillators in community locations, where trained volunteers can access them, to improve emergency treatment for sudden cardiac arrest victims.
Pulse check no longer recommended for layperson CPR
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, eliminating the need for a pulse check by bystanders before starting chest compressions. The new guidelines instead recommend looking for signs of circulation such as breathing, movement, and response to stimulation.
Extract from traditional Chinese herb enhances recovery in stressed cells
Researchers found that extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis significantly reduce cellular damage due to free radicals. The extract helped cells regain their ability to contract rhythmically after simulating cardiac arrest, reducing cell death by 47% compared to untreated cells.
Neighborhoods matter: who gets CPR?
A University of Chicago study found that neighborhoods with more racially integrated populations have higher rates of bystander CPR during cardiac arrests. In contrast, predominantly white and black neighborhoods had lower CPR rates.
Drug offers new hope for victims of cardiac arrest
Researchers at the University of Washington have found that amiodarone can save lives in patients who do not respond to defibrillation, improving resuscitation rates by nearly 30% compared to standard treatments. The drug showed particular benefits for women and those treated late in the course of resuscitation.
Rosenbaum discovers "hidden clue" on cardiogram
Researchers discovered oscillations in individual heart cells causing beat-to-beat alternations, leading to fibrillation and death. A new test highlights this pattern for easier detection, potentially saving thousands of lives annually from sudden cardiac arrest.
By Adding 4 Pennies To Ticket Cost, Sports Arenas Would Have Funds For Emergency Cardiac Care Equipment
A study suggests that adding 4 cents to ticket prices in professional sports venues could cover the cost of automated external defibrillators and training staff, potentially saving thousands of lives. The estimated annual attendance at major league football, basketball, baseball, and hockey games is over 120 million.
Casinos And Airplanes Better Equipped Than Most Doctor's Offices To Handle Cardiac Arrest
A study by the American Heart Association found that casinos and airplanes are more likely to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) than primary-care physicians' offices. The devices were found on firetrucks, police cars, and in some airlines, but only six out of 51 offices had a defibrillator.
Drug Shows Promise In Keeping Cardiac Arrest Patients Alive Until They Reach The Hospital
A clinical trial conducted at the University of Washington found that administering amiodarone to cardiac arrest victims improves resuscitation success rates by 26%, with a significant increase in hospital admissions among those not responding to shock treatment. The study suggests amiodarone as a potential game-changer for treating sh...
Study Finds TV Portrayals Of CPR Are Misleading
Research found that TV show CPR success rates are 2-5 times higher than real-life survival rates, with most TV patients being young and healthy. In contrast, actual patients often have chronic conditions or suffer permanent damage after CPR.