Dear Mrs. D.W.

In sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the heart has stopped beating. It is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm. There is rarely any warning…and unconsciousness ensues within seconds.

With a heart attack (MI-myocardial infarction), one of the blood vessels that supplies the heart itself with blood is blocked. Since any heart muscle supplied by that blocked artery is deprived of its oxygen-carrying blood, the heart tissue itself will begin to die. This is often preceded by chest, arm, abdomen or jaw pain and can be accompanied by nausea or sweating. The person is usually conscious.

What to Do...

• CALL 911! In SCA there is no pulse, no respiration. IF they can be shocked with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) they may recover with no heart damage!

• If the person has no pulse and no respiration, it is necessary to supply breathing and heartbeat for them before their vital organs start to die. Learn CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).
  
  
• For FREE CPR call 325-7164 or 325-7068.
  

• Even if the person is conscious…call 911.
  

I have heard too many stories of people who died because they either refused to acknowledge that this could really be serious and happening to them or drove themselves or had a friend drive them to the hospital…and died.

Remember…DENIAL KILLS! It is key to diminish the already compromised heart muscles requirement for oxygen. Even walking to a car, much less driving oneself, will increase the strain on the heart.

If in doubt, err on the side of caution…Call 911!!!