| Featured Research  How common are “shockable” cardiac arrests in public versus at home?
If you see someone collapse in public or in another setting, you should consider the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). But would you know what to do, and would you do it? A new study shows that SCAs that can be treated by electric shock are more common in public than at home. When bystanders used automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to treat individuals who had suffered SCA in public, more than one-third of the individuals survived to hospital discharge. Read a summary of the research study
NHLBI Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI) Sudden cardiac arrest SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. During a heart attack, the heart usually doesn't suddenly stop beating. SCA, however, may happen during heart attack or during recovery from a heart attack. SCA is lethal if it's not treated within minutes. Learn more about sudden cardiac arrest Researcher Profile  Dr. John Wikswo
John Wikswo, Ph.D., is seeking to understand and control the metabolic abnormalities that underlie many cardiac electrical problems, such as SCA. "The electrical activity of the heart is just marvelous to look at and try to figure out," said Dr. Wikswo. Supported by an NHLBI American Recovery and Reinvestment Act–funded grant, Dr. Wikswo and a research team at Vanderbilt University will create and test an innovative way to visualize the electrical activity of the heart in relation to its structure and changing metabolic state. Meet Dr. Wikswo and learn more about his research Popular NHLBI Resources Your Guide to a Healthy Heart
This highly rated booklet is an action plan for heart health. It provides information and practical tips about establishing and maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle. The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women
This popular handbook provides information on women's heart disease and practical suggestions for reducing the risk of heart-related problems. | 