Health scientists in Australia are launching the world’s largest registry of sudden cardiac arrest deaths, known as CODEX-SD, with the aim of unraveling the mysteries behind this cardiovascular condition. The project, conducted by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and supported by the Heart Foundation, will merge and analyze data from two major cardiac arrest databases to create this comprehensive registry.
The registry will link ambulance and forensic data, providing a single repository for Australian cardiac arrest data. This will enable researchers to study rare conditions, identify trends, and gain a better understanding of the cardiac experiences of underrepresented populations.
By delving into the genetic mysteries underlying cardiac arrests, the researchers hope to uncover the causes of these incidents and identify methods to prevent them. Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart abruptly stops pumping, obstructing blood flow to vital organs. This event can happen anywhere and at any time, often leading to death if not promptly addressed.
According to the Heart Foundation, 25,000 Australians experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year. The causes of this medical condition remain unexplained in 30 to 40 percent of cases, leaving many families without closure and knowing who else in the family might be at risk. With a low survival rate of 10 percent, breakthroughs in understanding and preventing sudden cardiac arrest are essential.
This announcement by the Heart Foundation follows a surge in cardiac arrest cases in the state of Victoria. The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) reported a record-high 7,361 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidents in the region, a sharp increase from previous years. The data also showed a decrease in the survival rate after cardiac arrests, raising concerns among healthcare professionals and policymakers.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about a potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac arrests. A study from Israel indicated a surge in emergency calls related to cardiac issues following COVID-19 vaccine administration, leading to concerns about undetected severe cardiovascular side effects induced by vaccines.
Another study revealed that myocarditis, a common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people, was identified as the most prevalent cardiac event following COVID-19 vaccination. These findings highlight the need for further research and exploration to understand the potential relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac health.