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

Study Status: Enrolling by invitation
Recruit Status: Enrolling by invitation
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Genomics of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Brief Summary: 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.

Detailed Summary:

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.

Sponsor: University of Washington

Current Primary Outcome: Genetic factors that may predispose people to develop SCA [ Time Frame: Measured throughout the study ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: University of Washington

Dates:
Date Received: April 16, 2008
Date Started: September 2007
Date Completion: August 2020
Last Updated: April 17, 2017
Last Verified: April 2017