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Low serum calcium may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings has found that individuals with lower serum calcium levels are more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest. The research, which analyzed data from over 200 SCA cases and 445 control subjects, suggests that even normal-range serum calcium levels may pose a risk for SCA.

SourceElsevier·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 5, 2017

The wrong first step to revive athletes in cardiac arrest

Research suggests that clearing the airway to prevent 'tongue swallowing' can delay crucial chest compressions, leading to increased mortality rates. In analyzed videos of athlete cardiac arrests, only 38% showed chest compressions, highlighting a critical gap in resuscitation protocols.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateSep 19, 2017

Potentially lifesaving implantable cardioverter defibrillators underutilized in eligible patients

A study found that only 57% of qualified patients receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), despite guidelines recommending their use. ICDs can detect and stop life-threatening arrhythmias, reducing death by over 30%. The study suggests a treatment gap and calls for improved education to ensure eligible patients receive t...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateSep 7, 2017

Health insurance expansion linked to fewer sudden cardiac arrests

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that health insurance expansion through the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among middle-aged adults who were previously uninsured. The study analyzed emergency medical services data from an urban Oregon coun...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 28, 2017

Therapeutic hypothermia offers no significant benefits for infants or children after in-hospital car

A multicenter study of infants and children who suffered cardiac arrest found that body cooling had no significant benefits compared to maintaining a normal temperature. The study included 329 patients aged 2 days to 18 years old, but the results showed no difference in survival rates or brain function between the two groups.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2017

Study finds high survival rate for elderly patients with implantable defibrillator

The study found that almost 80% of elderly patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator survived two years after a sudden cardiac arrest or near-fatal arrhythmia. The researchers also noted substantial care needs among the oldest patients, with high hospitalization and skilled nursing facility admission rates.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 16, 2017

CPR from bystanders associated with better outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in pediatrics

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander improved overall and neurologically favorable survival for children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 cases and showed that conventional CPR provided better outcomes than compr...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2016

CPR skills low among older adults

Studies in the US and Denmark show that older adults are undertrained in CPR, with only 18% reporting current training. Higher education level and household income are linked to increased likelihood of CPR training, but there is a steep drop-off after age 50. The elderly often cite lack of knowledge and fear as barriers to performing CPR.

Many life-saving defibrillators behind locked doors during off-hours, study finds

A study by U of T Engineering researchers found that up to 30% of AEDs are locked inside closed buildings, leading to a 21.5% coverage loss during evenings, nights, and weekends. The researchers propose a model to optimize AED placement considering location and availability, which could improve accessibility by an average 25%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

Help is just a phone call away -- telephone CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes

A University of Arizona study found that implementing a Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (TCPR) program significantly increases survival rates and favorable outcomes for patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The program, which includes guidelines-based protocols, TCPR training, and quality improvement, result...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2016