Press Release

CONTACT: Ann-Marie White 202.464.3476
July 23, 2008

Heart Rhythm Society Applauds Introduction of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Resolution

Awareness Month Will Raise Awareness of Leading Killer

(WASHINGTON DC — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) The Heart Rhythm Society, co-chair of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Coalition, applauds the introduction of Senate Concurrent Resolution 93 and House Concurrent Resolution 393 which call for a National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month in October. Introduced by Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Chip Pickering (R-MS) and Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND), the resolutions will support efforts to raise awareness about the risk of SCA, improve the public’s ability to identify warning signs, encourage individuals to seek medical attention in a timely manner and promote the need for further research into the causes of this leading killer.

“The Heart Rhythm Society commends Representatives Capps and Pickering and Senators Crapo and Dorgan for taking a leadership role in bringing SCA to the forefront with the introduction of this important legislation,” said Dr. N.A. Mark Estes III, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “An SCA Awareness Month will provide a national opportunity to not only raise awareness and highlight the need for continued research; but also save lives.”

SCA occurs when the heart stops working and no blood can be pumped to the rest of the body. In essence, the heart's electrical system malfunctions. Ninety-five percent of those who experience SCA die because they do not receive life-saving defibrillation within 4 to 6 minutes, before brain and permanent death start to occur. It can happen to people of all ages — without warning — and even when there are warning signs, most don’t recognize them. The resolution is supported by the Heart Rhythm Society and the 30 organizations that comprise the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition.

Urge your legislators to support the resolution. For more information on SCA, visit the About SCA section of this website or www.HRSonline.org.

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The SCA Coalition is comprised of 30 organizations passionate about preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest deaths through legislative initiatives that lead to greater public awareness, research and access to life-saving therapies. The SCA Coalition is focused on national issues that have the opportunity to bring about meaningful change that will save lives.