Social Determinants of Sudden Cardiac Death

This editorial explores the interplay between social determinants and the likelihood of receiving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in sudden cardiac arrest. Building on new findings by Garcia et al., it highlights persistent racial and ethnic disparities—Black and Hispanic individuals are less likely than White individuals to receive bystander CPR regardless of income level or neighborhood composition. These disparities persist even in predominantly White and affluent areas. The editorial underscores how structural racism and segregated communities contribute to uneven CPR training access and emergency response. Previous studies also correlate higher cardiac arrest rates with ZIP Codes marked by lower education levels and higher proportions of Black residents. Although public health efforts have promoted CPR education, unequal reach and implicit bias continue to hinder equitable application. The author calls for deeper structural change, expanding CPR outreach programs, and addressing social inequities as fundamental to improving survival after cardiac arrest.

This editorial explores the interplay between social determinants and the likelihood of receiving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in sudden cardiac arrest. Building on new findings by Garcia et al., it highlights persistent racial and ethnic disparities—Black and Hispanic individuals are less likely than White individuals to receive bystander CPR regardless of income level or neighborhood composition. These disparities persist even in predominantly White and affluent areas. The editorial underscores how structural racism and segregated communities contribute to uneven CPR training access and emergency response. Previous studies also correlate higher cardiac arrest rates with ZIP Codes marked by lower education levels and higher proportions of Black residents. Although public health efforts have promoted CPR education, unequal reach and implicit bias continue to hinder equitable application. The author calls for deeper structural change, expanding CPR outreach programs, and addressing social inequities as fundamental to improving survival after cardiac arrest.