FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kennesha Baldwin
Heart Rhythm Society
(202) 464-3476
kbaldwin@HRSonline.org

Cindy Rahman: (703) 283-8499
Heart Rhythm 2011 Press Room: (415) 978-3514 (this phone number active through Saturday, May 7, 1:00 p.m. PT)

New Study Shows Remarkably High Survival Rates of Sudden Cardiac Arrest at Traditional and Alternative Exercise Facilities
A Seattle-based study presented at Heart Rhythm 2011 reveals relatively high frequency of sudden cardiac arrest at alternative exercise sites

SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2011 – New research conducted in Seattle and King County, WA, found that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is associated with a high rate of survival at both traditional and alternative exercise facilities. A study presented today at Heart Rhythm 2011, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions, included data from hundreds of SCA cases revealing the most common activities performed at time of SCA and overall outcomes in individuals. Furthermore, the study also showed SCA occurred frequently at alternative exercise facilities, including dance studios and bowling alleys. Download study abstract » (PDF, 9K)

Researchers examined outcomes of 960 cases of SCA occurring at indoor public locations from 1996 through 2008, including traditional and alternative exercise facilities. As compared with traditional exercise facilities, alternative exercise facilities included locations such as dance studios, bowling alleys, and other public indoor sites. Of the 150 cases of SCA occurring at traditional and alternative exercise facilities, the most common activities performed at the time of SCA were basketball (16 percent), dancing (8.7 percent), “working out” (8.7 percent), treadmill use (8 percent), tennis (4.7 percent), bowling (4 percent) and swimming (4 percent).

Survival at exercise facilities, including both traditional and alternative sites, was remarkably high, and was significantly better than survival from SCA at non-exercise facilities. Survival at exercise facilities was 50 percent, compared with 36 percent observed for SCA occurring in non-exercise public indoor locations.

“On examining these cases of SCA, we were impressed with the remarkably high survival rates that were seen at both types of exercise facilities,” said Richard L. Page, MD, FHRS, immediate past president of the Heart Rhythm Society and chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “Furthermore, we were surprised by the frequency of SCA at alternative exercise facilities, such as dance studios and bowling alleys.”

According to the study findings, bystanders and AED placement were related to improving overall SCA survival rates. Results showed that witnesses of SCA at exercise facilities responded with CPR 77 percent of the time and with an AED 16 percent. In comparison, witnesses at non-exercise facilities performed CPR 55 percent of the time and used an AED seven percent.

“These results provide important public health implications for AED placement at exercise facilities across the country,” said Dr. Page. “Increasing the presence of AEDs at all exercise sites, traditional and alternative, will create opportunities to save more lives.”

Sessions details:
“Sudden Cardiac Arrest at Exercise Facilities: Survival and Implication for AED Placement” [May 5, 2011, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Room 2011 Moscone West]

About Heart Rhythm 2011
Heart Rhythm 2011 takes place May 4-7, 2011 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. The Society's Annual Scientific Sessions is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering more than 250 educational opportunities in multiple formats. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure as well as the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.

About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of more than 5,300 heart rhythm professionals in more than 70 countries around the world.