Genomics of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function. It is a leading cause of death, and more than 400,000 people in the United States die each year as a result of SCA. This study will analyze genetic samples of people who have experienced SCA and people who have not experienced SCA to determine if there is a genetic basis for SCA.

Detailed Description
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SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Ninety-five percent of people who experience SCA die from it, most within minutes. SCA is usually caused by abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, which can be triggered by several factors, including coronary artery disease, physical stress, and structural changes in the heart. Certain genetic factors may also increase the likelihood of experiencing SCA. Study researchers will analyze genetic samples from people affected by SCA and people unaffected by SCA to identify and characterize genetic variations that are associated with an increased risk of SCA in European Americans and African Americans. This study will examine previously collected blood samples from people who have experienced SCA and were participants in the Cardiac Arrest Blood Study (CABS) and the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). These participants will not attend any study visits or be contacted by study researchers. People who experience SCA in the first 4 years of this study will have blood drawn from paramedics at the time of SCA. If these participants survive, they will be asked whether study researchers can review their medical records. Study researchers will also examine previously collected blood samples from participants who have not experienced SCA and were participants in CABS, CHS, and the Heart and Vascular Health Study. These participants will not attend any study visits or be contacted by study researchers. Study researchers will also enroll a new control group of people who have not experienced SCA. These participants will attend one study visit for blood collection and a medical record review.

Official Title
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Evaluating the Genetic Factors That May Lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (The GenSCA Study)

Conditions
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Death, Sudden, Cardiac

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria for People with SCA: Experienced incident SCA Inclusion Criteria for People without SCA: Matched to people with SCA on age, gender, and ethnicity Exclusion Criteria for People with SCA and without SCA: Members of a vulnerable population

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| 1<br>European American people who have experienced SCA. | |
| 2<br>European American people who have not experienced SCA. | |
| 3<br>African American people who have experienced SCA. | |
| 4<br>African American people who have not experienced SCA. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Genetic factors that may predispose people to develop SCA |  | Measured throughout the study | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest