Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Taipei, Taiwan
Journal
Acta Cardiologica Sinica
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
2
Pages
53-57
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
The occurrence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) carries high mortality and morbidity even though treatments for coronary heart disease and the practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been improving for decades. The survival rate of all OHCA patients is still poor and is estimated to be below 5% from most reports throughout the world. The prevalence of ventricular fibrillation as the initial rhythm recorded is lower in Taipei City compared to western countries. The lower chance of coronary heart disease in Taiwan may account for it. Those OHCA patients with initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation have better prognosis. The community-wide use of automatic external defibrillator was launched in 2000, utilizing the model of biphasic 150 joules of fixed energy. The survival-to-discharge rate of the OHCA patients has been improved after the introduction of automatic external defibrillators in Taipei City. The concepts of treating OHCA patients have been changing recently. The adequate quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially effective cardiac compression, has been proved to be the key to improving the outcomes of resuscitated patients. The concept of defibrillation first for patients with prolonged VF has been challenged. The optimum in post-resuscitation care, including hypothermia treatment, is beneficial to the long-term outcomes of the OHCA patients.
SDGs
Other Subjects
defibrillation; defibrillator; heart arrest; heart ventricle fibrillation; hospital discharge; human; hypothermia; ischemic heart disease; morbidity; mortality; outcome assessment; prevalence; prognosis; quality control; resuscitation; review; survival rate; Taiwan
Type
review