Arrest the Risk Awareness Campaign

NEW! “Arrest the Risk” Awareness Campaign Special Session at Scientific Sessions

Moderator: Andrew Epstein, MD, FHRS of University of Pennsylvania
Chairs: Walter K. Clair, MD, FHRS of Vanderbilt University and Kevin L. Thomas, MD of Duke University

The “Arrest the Risk” special session, which takes place Thursday, May 9, 12:15 – 1:15 in Room 705, is an unique opportunity to learn about the Society’s latest research in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), which helps to identify current awareness levels and perceptions of SCA by electrophysiologists, general cardiologists, primary care practitioners and consumers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own thoughts related to disparities in care and opportunities for increased collaboration among physicians.

Note: This session is a ticketed function for registered attendees. Boxed lunches will be served.

About the Campaign

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States each year, and approximately 95 percent of people who experience the condition die as a result.

While treatment guidelines recommend implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) as the standard of care for patients at risk for SCA, a large percentage of patients at highest risk are not receiving this life-saving treatment.

Specifically, SCA represents a significant example of racial disparities in healthcare where access to quality cardiac care and life-saving ICD therapies are limited. The condition disproportionately impacts minorities – particularly African Americans.

In October 2012, the Heart Rhythm Society launched a multi-year, national awareness campaign, "Arrest the Risk” in an effort to elevate the issue of SCA prevention, early intervention, and appropriate treatment among the African-American populations; increase awareness of disparities at point of care; and positively impact SCA mortality and re-hospitalization rates in the U.S.

To drive home the importance of treatment and prevention of SCA through grassroots efforts in at-risk communities, HRS has partnered with the Association of Black Cardiologists. The two organizations are working with healthcare providers and African American community leaders in 10 cities with at-risk populations including Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Baltimore; New Orleans; Washington, D.C.; Jackson, Miss.; Nashville, Tenn.; Detroit; New Orleans; and Oakland, Calif.

In addition, Walter Clair, MD, FHRS of Vanderbilt University; Kevin Thomas, MD of Duke University; and Emmy-award winning journalist, Shaun Robinson, are lending their voices and support to the campaign.

This initiative is designed to overcome the barriers to proper diagnosis and treatment of SCA through educational resources, experiences of physicians and SCA survivors told through the media, as well as a powerful public service announcement featuring Robinson.

In conjunction with the campaign, HRS commissioned a national survey of more than 1,500 adult consumers and 300 physicians in the U.S. to help identify current awareness levels and perceptions of SCA.

Learn more about the:

To save more lives, HRS and ABC want Americans to:

Additional SCA Resources

The “Arrest the Risk” Device Disparity Initiative is supported by an unrestricted grant from Medtronic, Inc.

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