Study of seven U.S., Canadian cities finds disparities in both countries.
Study of seven U.S., Canadian cities finds disparities in both countries.
Residents of lower income neighborhoods are more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest, a new study finds.
Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. In sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating and circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain and vital organs ceases, often leading to death within moments.
In the study, researchers from the United States and Canada analyzed 9,235 cases of sudden cardiac arrest in four U.S. cities (Dallas, Pittsburgh, Portland and Seattle-King County, Wash.) and three in Canada (Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver). The cardiac arrests occurred either at home or in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.
In six of seven cities, the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest was higher in poorer neighborhoods than in more affluent ones.
