Identifying cardiac arrests linked to opioid use outside of hospitals

Improving the Identification of Opioid-Associated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10909294

This study is looking at how often young adults have heart problems outside of the hospital because of opioid use, and it aims to create a helpful tool to better recognize these cases so that naloxone can be used more effectively to save lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909294 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the occurrence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) that are related to opioid use, particularly in younger adults aged 20 to 59. The study aims to develop a decision instrument called NACARDI, which uses specific exam-based criteria to better identify cases of opioid-associated cardiac arrest. By analyzing data from previous investigations, the research seeks to improve the understanding of how naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, can be effectively utilized in these situations. This could lead to more targeted and timely interventions for patients experiencing such emergencies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 20 to 59 who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, particularly those with suspected opioid involvement.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 59 years old or those whose cardiac arrest is clearly attributed to non-drug-related causes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the identification and treatment of opioid-related cardiac arrests, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a significant prevalence of drug-related cardiac arrests, suggesting that this approach to identifying opioid-related cases is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.