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The correlation existing between the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest is analyzed. The application of AEDs is not shown to enhance the survival of such patients.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2010.08.003 Byline: Paul Chase, Ross Arena, Marco Guazzi, Jonathan Myers, Mary Ann Peberdy, Daniel Bensimhon Abstract: Peak oxygen consumption derived from cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) testing provides important prognostic information in patients with heart failure (HF). The oxygen consumption at the ventilatory threshold (VT) has also been shown to be prognostic. However, the VT cannot always be detected in patients with HF. Other variables such as the difference between peak oxygen consumption and oxygen consumption at the VT (termed the functional aerobic reserve [FAR]) may also provide prognostic information. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of an undetectable VT and FAR. Article History: Received 19 March 2010; Accepted 7 August 2010

A study to record if the outcomes after a cardiac arrest in hospital differed during nights and weekends as against days or evening and weekdays is conducted. Results show lower survival rates from cardiac arrests during nights and weekends.

A study was conducted to compare resuscitation outcomes before and after an urban emergency medical services (EMS) system switched from manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to load-distributing band (LDB) CPR. It was found that compared with resuscitation using manual CPR, a resuscitation strategy using LDB-CPR on EMS ambulances leads to improved survival to hospital discharge in adults with out-of-hospital nontraumatic cardiac arrest.

A new approach that emphasizes the procedure to be followed for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation that may benefit the patient is discussed. It involves the use of chest compressions to enhance the tissue oxygen delivery.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2005.09.012 Byline: Ross Arena (a), Marco Guazzi (b), Jonathan Myers (c), Mary Ann Peberdy (d) Abstract: The rate in which heart rate recovers from exercise has recently been shown to be a strong predictor of mortality in patients suspected of having coronary disease, but its prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF) has not been explored. We sought to assess the prognostic utility of heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients with HF. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Health Sciences Campus, Richmond, VA (b) Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, Cardiology Division, University of Milano, San Paolo Hospital, Milano, Italy (c) Cardiology Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA (d) Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Health Sciences Campus, Richmond, VA Article History: Received 29 April 2005; Accepted 14 September 2005

Medical device companies must create more affordable portable defibrillators and laws must be changed to allow consumers to buy them without a prescription even if they are not trained to use them. More and more public places have them, but most cardiac arrests occur at home. A study at Chicago airports proved that people with no training can use the devices effectively.