Catheterization Post–Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement

Data from observational studies support immediate cardiac catheterization after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

In the U.S., 400,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) occur each year. The American Heart Association (AHA) has now published a Scientific Statement about the role of coronary artery disease (CAD) in OHCA and the value of early use of the catheterization laboratory in diagnosing and treating these patients. The Statement was based on observational data only.

Key points include the following:

Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) accounts for up to 30% of OHCAs, and these patients have the best odds for survival.
CAD occurrence: In survivors of OHCA who are found to have ST elevation postarrest, 70% to 95% will have obstructive CAD on immediate catheterization. For those without ST elevation, 25% to 50% w…

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Catheterization Post–Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement

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Reviewing Author