Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
30 March 2017 08:23
Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch
People who are taken to a specialist heart centre after suffering cardiac arrest are more likely to live than those taken to a general hospital.
That's according to a new study carried out in Denmark and published in the European Heart Journal.
Footballer Fabrice Muamba
In cardiac arrest a patient's heart stops pumping blood around the body. Footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton Wanderers against Tottenham Hotspur in an FA Cup match in 2012.
The player was taken to the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green some six miles away. This was despite there being a general hospital under a mile away.
Some experts have pointed to the decision to take Muamba to a specialist centre when explaining his miraculous recovery.
Anyone who has suffered heart problems in the past can arrange specialist medical travel insurance when travelling overseas.
The new study found
Researchers in Denmark say of people who have a cardiac arrest while not already in a hospital, survival rates are higher among those taken to specialist heart centres rather than the nearest general hospital.
Some 41,186 patients who had suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark between 2001 and 2013 were analysed for the study.
Of these, 7,373 patients were admitted directly to an invasive heart centre, while 17,991 were taken to a local hospital.
Those who were admitted directly to an invasive heart unit were found to be 11% more likely to still be alive 30 days after the event.
Lead researcher Dr Tinne Tranberg, a cardiologist at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, said: "Our results show that among cardiac arrest patients admitted to hospital, those admitted directly to an invasive heart centre have a higher chance of surviving, regardless of the distance."
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
[more...]
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...
Find your favourite Greek food with our guide on how to let your taste buds explore the delicious flavours of Greece.
Ever wondered what life was like in Ancient Greece? Explore the city that many call the birthplace of Western civilisation by visiting these fantastic attractions in the legendary city of Athens.
Which Greek Island should I visit? A common question if you want to experience the beauty of Greece's many islands. Find the answer in our quick guide to ten of the best.