October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

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National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month is intended to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest signs and symptoms and explain what to do to help save lives. More than 350,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year in the U.S., and less than 10% survive. This month, we encourage you to learn more about sudden cardia arrest, and what you can do to prevent it.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

  • Sudden cardiac arrest is often compared to an “electrical” problem where the heart suddenly stops beating and pumping blood to vital organs. A person with no pre-existing signs of heart disease can suddenly stop breathing (or is only gasping) and is unresponsive.
  • A Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries.

Signs of sudden cardiac arrest include:

  • Unconscious
  • Lack of responsiveness
  • Not breathing or only gasping

What to do if someone is in sudden cardiac arrest

  • Make sure the scene is safe.
  • Check for responsiveness. Tap the person’s shoulders and ask loudly if they’re OK. If they don’t move, speak, blink or react, they are unresponsive.
  • Shout for help. Tell someone nearby to call 911 or your emergency response number.  Request an AED (automated external defibrillator) as quickly as possible.
  • Check for no breathing or only gasping. If the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping, start CPR with chest compressions.
  • Perform CPR. Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest. Push down at least 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes per minute. Let the chest return to its normal position after each push.
  • Use an AED. As soon as the AED arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts. The AED will tell you if a shock is needed and what to do next. This may include CPR or additional shocks.
  • Continue CPR. Keep going until the person starts to breathe or move, or until someone with more advanced training, such as EMS, takes over.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of sudden cardiac arrest by managing underlying heart conditions and living a heart-healthy lifestyle

  • Eat well: Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
  • Stay active: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.
  • Quit smoking: Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke.
  • Manage weight and sleep: Maintain a healthy body weight and aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
  • Limit alcohol: Drink in moderation or avoid excessive intake

To find local resources for heart health, check out our website at https://gethealthyclarkcounty.org/manage-your-risk/heart-disease/

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