Neurological Outcomes Post-Home Cardiac Arrest Similar Across Socioeconomic Backgrounds in Vienna

Recent research presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress has revealed that the neurological outcomes following cardiac arrests occurring at home are comparable regardless of socioeconomic status in Vienna. The study analyzed 676 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases treated at the Medical University of Vienna from January 2020 to December 2022, focusing on patients' neurological health months after the event.

The investigation linked patients’ addresses with regional income data, revealing that while neurological recovery was generally consistent, there was a trend indicating lower bystander CPR rates in lower-income neighborhoods. Specifically, patients in the lowest income quartile had a CPR rate of 64%, compared to 78% in the highest quartile, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Ms. Hannah Voith, a medical student at Vienna’s Medical University and lead researcher, explained that their findings show no definitive link between income level and neurological outcomes for patients who survive to hospital discharge. However, the data suggests disparities in pre-hospital care, particularly in bystander intervention, which could influence survival chances.

The study’s methodology involved analyzing detailed registry data, comparing emergency response and recovery outcomes, and considering socioeconomic factors derived from geographic district incomes. The results emphasize the importance of promoting CPR training across all socioeconomic groups to reduce potential disparities in emergency response.

Although Vienna's advanced emergency medical services and healthcare infrastructure provide a unique environment, the researchers highlight the need for further studies in other large cities like Graz. Future plans include exploring long-term outcomes, rates of bystander CPR, and the impact of advanced interventions like extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Experts, including Dr. Felix Lorang from Germany, commented that the findings imply neurological outcomes are not influenced by socioeconomic variables once the patient survives and reaches hospital. The observed trend of lower CPR rates in lower-income districts warrants additional investigation, with an emphasis on public health initiatives aimed at enhancing basic life support skills for all citizens.

Overall, the research underscores the critical role of immediate bystander intervention in cardiac arrest survival and highlights social factors’ complex role in emergency medical outcomes, urging ongoing efforts to foster equitable emergency response training and infrastructure.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-neurological-outcomes-cardiac-home-similar.html