Recent evidence highlights the need for physicians to ask athletes about symptoms and family history to determine inherited conditions. Automated external defibrillators can significantly increase survival rates after sudden cardiac arrest in athletes.
The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement to improve prediction of recovery in comatose cardiac arrest survivors. Current practices often lead to premature predictions, resulting in unnecessary suffering or withdrawal of care too soon.
Researchers found that African American children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to receive bystander CPR, with lower rates also observed in Hispanic and other ethnic groups. Targeted CPR training in these areas may enhance outcomes.
The M-RISE program aims to develop innovative therapies to prevent brain damage caused by cardiac arrest, with a focus on early treatments delivered by bystanders and first responders. The program will explore neuroprotective agents and strategies to improve survival rates and outcomes for patients affected by cardiac arrest.
Researchers developed a contactless cardiac arrest AI system using real 911 calls from Seattle. The algorithm detected agonal breathing 97% of the time from up to 20 feet away, and can function like an app on smart speakers or smartphones.
A new study of 4,803 cardiac arrest patients found that survival rates are unaffected by the day of the week, suggesting that specialist teams working 24/7 deliver consistent care. The research debunks previous claims of a 'weekend effect' in heart conditions, highlighting the importance of CPR and defibrillation.
An international study by Eurac Research has established benchmarks for assessing avalanche victim survival using core temperature and serum potassium levels. The study found that rewarming only results in survival in a small proportion of cases, but provides doctors with reliable indicators to make informed treatment decisions.
New research found women are less likely to receive resuscitation attempts by bystanders and have lower survival rates from cardiac arrest, largely due to misdiagnosis of symptoms. Women are also less likely to be diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction or undergo life-saving treatments.
A study by WVU researchers found that exposure to white light at night causes multiple poor outcomes in cardiac arrest models, including greater cell death, more aggressive inflammation, and higher mortality rates. In contrast, dim red light had no detrimental effects.
A Swedish review of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest data shows compression-only CPR increased six-fold and doubled the chance of survival, compared to no CPR. Bystander CPR rates nearly doubled over an 18-year period, with patients receiving standard or hands-only CPR being two times more likely to survive 30 days.
A large Japanese study found that women under 65 were less likely to receive bystander CPR in public locations than men. The researchers speculate that cultural attitudes may influence bystanders and propose better understanding of sex-based disparities are needed to facilitate public health intervention.
In patients without STEMI, immediate coronary angiography did not improve survival at 90 days compared to waiting a few days before undergoing the procedure. Clearing arteries with PCI sooner after cardiac arrest may not necessarily reduce long-term brain damage and its key factor in survival.
A commonly used heart drug, nifedipine, is associated with an increased risk of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, particularly at high doses. The study analyzed data from large registries and found no risk association with amlodipine.
A recent study published in The BMJ found a correlation between the use of advanced airway management and electrocardiographic rhythm during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. For non-shockable patients, AAM was associated with improved outcomes, including recovering neurological function and early hospital discharge.
A recent study found that CPR initiated by dialysis staff can improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest at outpatient facilities. However, this life-saving intervention is not always performed, with a rate of only 81% in cardiac arrest events.
Research finds people with heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac arrests are less likely to be working and have lower incomes than healthy peers. Employment loss can lead to substantial earnings reductions, ranging from 8% to 31%. The study aims to develop interventions to support return to work.
The PumpStart program demonstrates effectiveness in teaching high school students life-saving skills and providing medical students with public health education opportunities. High school students showed significant improvements in CPR technique and confidence, while medical students gained higher confidence levels in teaching and ment...
Researchers analyzed data from 63,600 patients who had cardiac arrest and found that poorer neighborhoods had longer total ambulance times. The study highlights disparities in patient outcomes due to differences in emergency medical services response times.
A nationwide study of cardiac arrests found ambulances took nearly four minutes longer to handle calls from low-income areas than high-income communities. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations.
A new study has found that footballers' health screens, including echocardiography and electrocardiography, do not always detect potentially critical heart problems. In fact, six players out of 595 tested negative for serious cardiovascular issues, highlighting the need for further screening and timely symptom reporting.
Research studies by Cedars-Sinai's Sumeet Chugh's team identify associations between sudden cardiac arrest and multiple sclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and obesity. Patients with MS have a five-fold higher incidence of sudden cardiac arrest, while those with LVH are at higher risk due to electrocardiography risk scores.
Patients with common heart failure are more likely to experience lethal heart rhythms, according to research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The study found that those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are twice as likely to suffer from pulseless electrical activity or asystole, which can be fatal.
Researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and found that states with required CPR education had higher bystander CPR rates and improved survival outcomes. Neurologically favorable survival was also more common in these states.
Research studies found that public access defibrillation significantly improved survival rates among patients with shockable rhythms. In the US study, researchers estimated costs in 2017 dollars and found placing an AED increased years of quality living.
A recent study found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms significantly increase the risk of major cardiovascular events and death up to a year after cardiac arrest. Researchers discovered that PTSD was associated with a three-fold increased risk of death from any cause or a major heart event in resuscitated patients.
A multi-year review of all pediatric emergency response records in Houston found that Black infants comprised a significantly larger proportion of cardiac arrests than expected. The study suggests that genetic differences in risk based on race, environmental or socioeconomic factors, or a combination of factors may contribute to the di...
Women are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders due to fears of inappropriate touching, causing injury, and misperceptions about their health. Studies suggest these concerns can lead to delays or no CPR being administered.
A new study found that people from large Latino populations are less likely to receive CPR and survive cardiac arrests when they collapse. Bystander CPR rates were lower in these communities, with only 27% of cases receiving CPR in heavily Latino-populated neighborhoods.
Researchers have discovered a new and better marker, Neurofilament light (NFL), to assess the degree of brain damage after cardiac arrest. This biomarker shows promise in identifying patients with severe brain damage and could lead to more efficient healthcare decisions.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai finds that stress is a major contributor to sudden cardiac arrests, which are now more likely to happen outside of previously identified peak times. The research analyzed data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study and found no evidence of increased cardiac arrests on Mondays
An observational study found significant differences in survival rates for patients treated by different EMS agencies, with odds of survival varying more than 50% between two agencies. The study included nearly 44,000 adults and treated by 112 EMS agencies in the US and Canada.
Researchers found a link between mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death, with 14 cases per 1000 per year associated with the condition. The study identified features such as scarring of the heart muscle and heavy mitral valve leakage that put patients at high risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias.
A study of 477 pediatric patients found that survival rates were not associated with the time to first defibrillation attempt. Most pediatric patients had a quick response to CPR, but the delayed response did not impact outcomes in this age group.
Coronary angiography is essential for detecting acutely occluded epicardial coronary arteries in resuscitated individuals with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Numerous cohort studies have shown an association between survival and early coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.
A study found that firefighters who died from cardiac arrest were more likely to have narrowed arteries, an enlarged heart, and increased wall thickness of the left ventricle. These conditions increase the risk of death from cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of medical screening for firefighters.
Researchers found a 3% better survival rate for patients who received laryngeal tube (LT) devices on scene compared to traditional intubation breathing tube methods. The study showed that LT devices could potentially save over 10,000 lives annually.
A new type of breathing tube has been shown to increase cardiac arrest survival rates in a multicenter study. The device improved oxygen delivery and reduced errors compared to traditional intubation methods, resulting in higher survival rates among patients.
A new study found that a change in breathing tube use can significantly improve survival rates for patients with sudden cardiac arrest. The new technique, which uses laryngeal tubes, resulted in higher survival rates compared to traditional endotracheal intubation.
A clinical trial found that adrenaline increases the survival rate of patients with cardiac arrests by less than 1%, but almost doubles the risk of severe brain damage for survivors. The study raises questions about the future use of adrenaline in such cases and its impact on patient outcomes.
Research suggests that standardized online and in-person courses are falling short and need improvement to optimize retention and mastery. The American Heart Association recommends adopting best practices in education, such as mastery learning, spaced practice, and feedback, to enhance CPR skills.
A study found that nearly half of deaths attributed to cardiac arrest were not sudden or unexpected, and a significant portion were not arrhythmic. In San Francisco, nearly 1 in 7 deaths from apparent out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were due to hidden drug overdoses.
Research found that major heart attacks were more deadly in the coldest six months of the year compared to the warmer months. The risk of dying within 30 days of a severe heart attack was nearly 50% higher in winter.
A 69-year-old male patient was conscious during CPR after a cardiac arrest, despite efforts to restore a pulse and circulation. The study suggests that the high level of patient awareness was due to good peripheral and cerebral blood flow, but raises questions about proper sedation during resuscitation.
A multicenter trial found that initial laryngeal tube insertion may be associated with better clinical outcomes than endotracheal intubation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. The study, presented at SAEM18, compared the effectiveness of these two airway management techniques in adult OHCA resuscitation.
A Baycrest-Rambam study found that patients who survive a brief cardiac arrest and appear neurologically intact may still experience significant memory problems. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing can provide better support for these challenges upon discharge.
A new study by the University of Stirling found that half of Scottish adults are not confident administering CPR, with over a fifth unaware of when it is required. The study's findings suggest priority groups include those who are unemployed, in lower social grades, and elderly.
In humans, a massive wave of electrochemical energy release in the brain occurs after oxygen deprivation, known as 'spreading depolarization', which can trigger pathophysiological cascades. Researchers have found that this event is similar to animal studies and that it remains reversible if circulation is restored before nerve cells die.
Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) increases cardiac arrest survival, especially when applied by a bystander before emergency responders arrive. The American Heart Association found that nearly 66% of victims who received a shock from a publicly-available AED survived to hospital discharge.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of cases studied had combinations of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Researchers suggest extending prevention efforts to routine preventive visits for children and young adults to reduce adult cardiovascular disease.
Researchers developed stable, self-disrupting microbubbles to carry oxygen in the blood, reducing the risk of embolism. The microbubbles were shown to increase survival rates in rodents with cardiac arrest, providing a potential lifesaving treatment.
Survival rates for in-hospital cardiac arrests have improved over the past 15 years, with a significant increase in both on-hours and off-hours groups. However, patients who experience cardiac arrest during nights or weekends continue to face lower survival rates compared to those who arrest during daytime hours.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia highlighted racial disparities in bystander CPR methods and found that children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk for sudden cardiac death. Targeted training may increase bystander CPR rates and improve outcomes.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that prehospital use of supraglottic airways is linked to better neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest patients who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The study suggests that SGA may improve oxygenation, supporting its continued use in emergency medical services.
High school students are an excellent target for CPR training, with over half of US states requiring some form of CPR training. Despite this, wide variability exists in instruction and only 2.4% of the US population is trained annually.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that more than 80% of sudden cardiac arrests in competitive sports couldn't be predicted by screening programs. Only three out of 16 cases were caused by identifiable conditions, and these were not common enough to warrant widespread screening.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during or after sex is exceedingly small. The study analyzed over 4,500 cases and found that only 34 cases occurred during or within an hour of engaging in sex, with nearly 20% of these patients surviving.
Researchers found that only 34 cases of cardiac arrest occurred during or within an hour of sexual intercourse out of 4,557 cases. Men were more likely to experience cardiac arrest during sex, and bystander CPR was performed in only one-third of the cases.
According to preliminary research, men are more likely to receive bystander CPR in public locations and have a higher chance of survival. In contrast, women are less likely to receive CPR in public settings, highlighting a gap in bystander CPR delivery that can inform future messaging and training.
A study found that Latinos are less likely to know what an automated external defibrillator (AED) is and who can use it. The lack of awareness may affect survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests in Latino neighborhoods.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that specific brain network connections can predict long-term recovery trajectories in patients with severe brain injury after a cardiac arrest. Functional MRI data analysis identified clusters of brain regions that correlate strongly with functional outcomes.