Genomics of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (GenSCA)

University of Washington

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Death, Sudden, Cardiac

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT00661128

35496

1R01HL088456 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 14,862 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

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

Trial design

14,862 participants in 4 patient groups

1

Description:

European American people who have experienced SCA.

2

Description:

European American people who have not experienced SCA.

3

Description:

African American people who have experienced SCA.

4

Description:

African American people who have not experienced SCA.