Global research trends in cardiac arrest research: a visual analysis of the literature based on CiteSpace

BACKGROUND: The high morbidity, high mortality and low survival rate of cardiac arrest (CA) cause a heavy global burden. We aimed to analyze the changes in scientific output related to CA over the past two decades. METHODS: We analyzed the scientific output related to CA from 2000 to 2020 via the Web of Science. The data were analyzed using CiteSpace software. RESULTS: In total, 28,312 articles relating to CA were identified in the Web of Science. The volume of scientific research output in the field of global CA research was mainly distributed in the Americas, Europe and Asia, covering a wide range. Of the 28,312 articles, the research content of the highly cited literature mainly focused on CA, mild hypothermia treatment, and prognosis of CA patients. CONCLUSION: Various scientific methods were applied to reveal scientific productivity, collaboration, and research hotspots in the CA research field. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), survival and target temperature management are research hotspots. Future research on CA will continue to focus on its treatment and prognosis to improve the survival rate of CA patients.