Genomics of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

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.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Death, Sudden, Cardiac Cardiovascular Diseases Death Death, Sudden Heart Arrest Heart Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98101, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Genetic factors that may predispose people to develop SCA

Time frame: Measured throughout the study

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Washington

Other

Collaborators

Kaiser Permanente
King County Emergency Medical Services
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
University of California, San Francisco

Registry information

Official study title

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

Acronym: GenSCA

Important dates

Study start: 2007
Primary completion: 2030
Study completion: 2030
First posted: Apr 18, 2008
Registry last updated: Jun 5, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Active, Not Recruiting