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Socioeconomic status linked to school emergency response, sudden cardiac death rate

WASHINGTON — Low socioeconomic status of the county was associated with a lack of cardiac emergency response plans in its schools, resulting in an increased sudden cardiac death rate, according to data presented at the 2015 AAP National Conference and Exhibition.

“Our study showed a higher incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young in lower socioeconomic status counties,” Michelle Joette White, MD, of the University of Michigan, said during a presentation. “The association between sudden cardiac death in the young and county socioeconomic status isn’t particularly surprising for those of us that know the adult data.”

The researchers developed and sent an email based survey to all public high schools in 30 Michigan counties. A total of 19 counties with ≥50% response rate from high schools were included in the final study data. Data regarding the availability of automated external defibrillators, cardiac response training, and sudden cardiac death in the young were gathered through survey questioning. 

Study findings revealed that schools in counties with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to have a cardiac emergency response plan (P < .01). Following this trend, schools with no cardiac emergency plan were associated with an increase in the rate of sudden cardiac death among students (P = .001). Likewise, the overall rate of sudden cardiac death in students was found to be higher in lower socioeconomic status counties (P <.05).

The researchers noted that sudden cardiac death was also associated with schools in counties containing a higher population of minorities (P = .02).

“This data represents a strong argument for further assessment of the ideologies and response to cardiac arrest in low socioeconomic areas,” White said. “It also suggests a role for targeted prevention for sudden cardiac death in the young in poorer areas.” – by David Costill

Reference:

White MJ, et al. Abstract #28468. Presented at: 2015 AAP National Conference and Exhibition; Oct. 23-27; Washington D.C.