You may have found yourself wondering, did Covid 19 have an effect on sudden cardiac arrest? In two separate announcements, it has been found that the virus that causes COVID-19 increases risk of cardiac events and has been linked to situations surrounding sudden cardiac arrest.
In the first, it was announced in the journal Radiology, (a journal of the Radiological Society of North America) that the virus responsible for Covid-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leads to increased presence of arterial plaque in the arteries, thus increasing the likelihood of coronary events that can lead to heightened risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Evidence indicates COVID-19 also involves an extreme inflammatory response that can affect the cardiovascular system. The findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may exacerbate cardiovascular risk by accelerating the progression of susceptible plaques and coronary inflammation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/sca-news/virus-that-causes-covid-19-increases-risk-of-cardiac-events
Separately, it was also announced at American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 that out-of-hospital SCA survival rates declined at the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic from prior years. There has been mild improvement since the initial years of the pandemic, but still survival rates are not where they were in pre-pandemic years. Learn more about the change in SCA survival rates from pre to post pandemic years.
At Starting Hearts, we provide CPR & education training that can make a life-saving difference. Take a free in-person Call.Push.Shock.™ to learn the basics of hands-only compression and how to use an AED.. You can take an on-demand class from the comfort of your home anytime at https://startinghearts.c4edu.org/. Red Cross CPR certification classes also available, so contact us for more information or to request a class at info@startinghearts.org.
Robert Burleson is a Starting Hearts volunteer writer who enjoys writing for nonprofit organizations.
