How Can I Prevent Heart Disease
Sudden cardiac arrest can be reversed if treated within the first few minutes. The American Heart Association promotes these four steps, called ”the chain of survival:”
1. Early Access to Care. Quick contact with emergency care is essential. (in most communities) or your local emergency number immediately.
2. Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Learning CPR is the greatest gift you can give your family and friends. If performed properly, CPR can help save a life until emergency medical help arrives.
3. Early Defibrillation. In most adults, sudden cardiac death is related to ventricular fibrillation. Quick defibrillation (delivery of an electrical shock) is necessary to return the heart rhythm to a normal heartbeat. Many public places — such as malls, golf courses, and airports have automated external defibrillators available for use in emergency situations.
4. Early Advanced Care. After successful defibrillation, most patients require hospital care to treat and prevent future events.
These four steps can increase survival as much as 90% if initiated within the first minutes after sudden cardiac arrest. Survival decreases by about 10% each minute longer.
