Cardiac arrest risk partly depends on where a person resides, according to research presented by Dr. Paul Dorian at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2012 in Toronto, which was hosted by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The doctor’s research of high and low rates of cardiac arrests in GTA (Greater Toronto Area) communities indicated that components which increase the risks are complicated.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating abruptly. In Canada, there are upwards of 40,000 cardiac arrest cases every year, and every 12 minutes someone is going through cardiac arrest.

Most cases of cardiac arrests (85%) take place at home or in public places, such as parks, malls, or work, and 50% happen in front of someone else – a friend, family member or co-worker. Outside of hospitals, the survival rate is a mere 5%.

Dorian, a researcher and cardiologist from Kennan Research Centre in Toronto, St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, said: “The reasons are more multifaceted than traditional explanations of income, social economic status and education levels.”

The team is investigating cultural and ethnic elements, as well as healthy heart behaviors; they are looking into whether other factors may contribute to the great differences they found among cardiac arrest rates in certain communities.

Lead author of the study, Katherine Allan, PhD candidate, and her colleagues looked at 20 different GTA neighborhoods which had the highest and lowest prevalence of cardiac arrests that occurred either in a public place or at the person’s home.

During the study, the social, economic, and demographic factors of each community were compared to determine differences, such as sex, income, social status, and age. The researchers also considered the residents’ diabetes and high blood pressure rates.

Neighborhoods with higher rates of cardiac arrests, also called “Cardio-toxic neighborhoods,” were found to have 3 to 5 times increased rates of cardiac arrests than other communities. These areas were often found to be populated by older individuals who had modest rates of hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes. Not one element clarified the differences found among the communities.

In June of 2011, a study said that seniors who live in rural communities have the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The current trial involved more than 5,500 cases of cardiac arrests between 2006 and 2010 in the GTA, and included 140 neighborhoods in Toronto. The 10 communities with the highest rates of cardiac rest and the 10 with the lowest were determined.

Dorian explained:

“The bottom line is that where you live does affect your risk of cardiac arrest. Our research suggests wealth, education and social inclusion are important factors but only explain part of the puzzle.”

“The link between our health and where we live is well established. With Canada’s high rates of physical inactivity and obesity, it is more important than even to build communities that encourage active, healthy lifestyles,” said Dr. Beth Abramson from The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The doctor added that healthy neighborhood factors, such as public transit, safe places to walk and well-kept parks would make it easier for Canadians to take part in the physical activity that many of them are lacking, therefore resulting in healthier lifestyles all together.

A study from August of 2011 stated that even moderate amounts of exercise can lower an individual’s risk of heart disease.

Abramson believes it is crucial for community workers and municipal governments to promote healthy, active lifestyles in Canada.

She concluded: “The Foundation is working in communities across Canada to advocate for the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places and to train Canadians how to use AEDs in combination with CPR.”

Abramson reiterated the fact that most cardiac arrests take place in front of a witness and if people are educated on how to help, survival rates can increase by 30%.

Written by Christine Kearney