Common Myths about Cardiac Arrest
Myth: Cardiac arrest is a rare medical emergency, so I don’t think I should be concerned about having to deal with it.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death and annually kills more Americans than the next seven leading causes of death combined, including cancer, accidents, pneumonia, influenza, AIDS, diabetes and suicides.
Heart attack is one of the primary causes of cardiac arrest. Each day more than 95 percent of Americans who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die before reaching the hospital. This equates to about 700 deaths each day or 250,000 deaths annually. The survival rate could be increased if more people were aware of the following:
- Know the warning signs of heart attack and cardiac arrest and make sure that your family and loved ones know them as well. Seek medical attention immediately – don’t wait.
- Know CPR and be ready to give it until medical help arrives.
These are the important steps in the cardiac arrest chain of survival. Be a Heartsaver! Know the warning signs, call 9-1-1 and give CPR.