To explore the changes of serum levels of growth defferentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and troponin Ⅰ(cTNI) at different time after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and their relationships with cardiac function and the recent clinical prognosis of CPR. Methods A total of 102 victims who received CPR for sudden cardiac arrest were divided into three groups. The victims whose GDF-15 level was under 1,200 ng/L were enrolled into group A; those whose GDF-15 level continued to increase 12 h and 24-48 h after CPR and was over 1,200 ng/L were included into group B; and group C included those whose GDF-15 level increased 12 h after CPR but was lowered 24-48 h after CPR. Serum cTNI, left vetricle enddiastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were detected in the three groups at different time. The patients were followed up for 6 m and the mortality was calculated. Results The cTNI level changed with the change of GDF-15. LVEDD and LVEF also changed with the changes of GDF-15 and cTnI levels. The mortality of the group B was obviously higher than that of the group A and the group C (p < 0.05). The mortality of the group C was slightly higher than that of the group A (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe joint detection of serum GDF-15 and cTNI can well predict the recent clinical outcomes of the patients receiving CPR.