February is a time to celebrate much more than just Valentine’s Day or the Groundhogs predictions. It’s National Heart Month—a time to focus on the most vital organ. National Heart Month is dedicated to increasing awareness and education about heart health and cardiovascular disease.
With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., we all need to be more educated about what we can do to keep our hearts healthier and how and when to step in when someone experiences something horrific like a heart attack.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore the importance of heart health, the lifesaving power of CPR and AEDs, and actionable steps to improve your cardiovascular wellness. Plus, you’ll learn how AED First Response can help you prepare for emergencies with their lifesaving AED solutions.
We owe it to those who have struggled with heart disease to make better choices, support research, and spread awareness.
The Importance of Heart Health
Your heart works nonstop to keep your body running, pumping blood to every part that needs it. Taking care of it is key to staying healthy and living a long life. Yet, the statistics are sobering—heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) take an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, making it a national health crisis.
The good news? Many heart diseases are preventable through simple lifestyle changes. National Heart Month is a prime opportunity to educate ourselves and others about how to keep our hearts healthy and strong.
Common Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart disease is not a single condition—it refers to a range of disorders that impact the heart and blood vessels. Here are some of the most common types:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart.
- Heart Attack: This occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often due to CAD.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA): A sudden loss of heart function, often caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart. It can lead to death if not treated immediately.
- Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively.
- Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat that may feel too fast or too slow.
- Stroke: This occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, often linked to heart problems.
Risk Factors For Heart Disease
The main risk factors for heart disease include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
- Insufficient physical activity
By addressing these risk factors, many heart diseases can be prevented or managed more effectively. We will get more into that later in this blog.
Heart Attacks vs. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Let’s dive deeper into cardiovascular diseases that are most important to us here at AED First Response - heart attacks and Sudden cardiac arrest.
When most people think of the heart, they think of heart attacks - A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot, causing damage to the heart muscle. Every year, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack.
Many people confuse heart attacks with sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. This interruption prevents blood from flowing to the brain and other vital organs, causing the person to lose consciousness and become unresponsive within seconds. Unlike many other medical conditions, SCA has no warning signs, making it a silent and potentially fatal threat.
The primary cause of SCA is often linked to ventricular fibrillation, a rapid and irregular heartbeat that disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Other potential causes include structural heart abnormalities, intense physical stress, or genetic factors. Regardless of the cause, the result is usually the same— the person becomes unresponsive and can die within minutes. Immediate intervention is critical to prevent irreversible damage or death.
If SCA or heart attacks occur, every second counts. This is where tools like Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training become lifelines.
The Lifesaving Power of CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a skill that anyone can learn, and it has the power to save lives in critical moments.
- During a sudden cardiac arrest, CPR keeps blood and oxygen flowing until defibrillation or medical care can restart the heart.
- After a heart attack, CPR may be needed if the person goes into sudden cardiac arrest.
Here’s how to perform basic CPR:
- Ensure the Scene is Safe: Always check the surroundings first.
- Call for Emergency Help: Dial 911 immediately.
- Start Chest Compressions: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Add Rescue Breaths (if trained): If trained, give two breaths after 30 compressions.
Learning CPR is easier than you might think, and many community organizations like local hospitals, schools and fire departments or offer training courses. Check out our resource list at the end of this blog for hands-on training opportunities.
How to Use an AED (Step by Step)
In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, hopefully, you have an AED nearby. At AED First Response, we stress the importance of having AEDs in public spaces and empower citizens with the knowledge to use them effectively. For example, imagine you’re at a mall, and someone suddenly collapses. If an AED is nearby and you know how to use it, you could save a life by following the simple steps to administer a shock and continue CPR until emergency responders arrive.
Important Note: While it's important to get trained and we recommend it—whether through an online course or in person—remember that AEDs are designed to be easy to use. In an emergency, you can still follow the clear instructions provided by the device, and anyone can step in to help and potentially save a life.
- Turn on the AED: Power on the device, and follow the voice prompts.
- Expose the Chest: Remove clothing covering the chest and dry it if needed for proper pad adhesion.
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Attach the Pads:
- Place one pad on the upper right chest, above the heart.
- Place the other pad on the lower left side, below the armpit.
- For small children: One pad in the center of the chest, the other on the back.
- Connect the Pads: If needed, plug in the connector. Many AEDs have pre-connected pads.
- Stay Clear During Analysis: Ensure no one touches the person as the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. Say "CLEAR!" to warn others.
- Deliver the Shock (If Needed): If the AED suggests a shock, say "CLEAR!" again and press the shock button.
- Resume CPR: Continue CPR as instructed by the AED until help arrives or the person regains consciousness.
It's critical to get trained in CPR and AED use—you never know when you may need to step in to save a life.
Simple Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Heart Health
Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small, intentional changes, you can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. Here are some tips you can start implementing today to improve your heart health:
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
- Prioritize fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit processed foods, trans fat added sugars, and sodium.
- Limit tobacco and alcohol use
- Consider incorporating heart-friendly foods like salmon, nuts, and avocados.
Get Moving
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
- Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga can support heart health.
Manage Stress Levels
- Chronic stress can strain your heart. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Find hobbies or activities that help you relax, like cooking, painting, etc.
Sleep and Hydration
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain proper circulation.
Regular Health Screenings
- Keep tabs on your weight (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
- Don’t miss doctor appointments or checkups. Early detection can prevent smaller issues from becoming major health concerns.
Heart Health Resources
Looking for more support? Check out these reputable resources:
- American Heart Association for heart health tips and CPR training courses.
- Center For Disease Control for guidelines and statistics on heart disease prevention, risk factors, and healthy living.
- AED First Response Blog for expert insights on AEDs and emergency preparedness.
Online CPR/AED and First Aid Training Courses:
Local Seattle Area CPR & AED Training Classes:
- CPR Seattle - Offers a variety of CPR and First Aid classes, including Adult/Child/Infant CPR, AED, and First Aid.
- Red Cross -Provides CPR/AED classes in Seattle, available in-person, online.
- CPR Northwest Washington - Offers CPR classes and certification in Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tukwila, Burien, and Auburn areas.
- Seattle Fire Department - Provides CPR and choking intervention training to Seattle community members.
- King County EMS School CPR Training Program - Offers CPR/AED training to approximately 11,000 students in grades six through twelve each year in King County, excluding the Seattle School District.
- Cascade Training Center - Provides all levels of Basic through Advanced American Heart Association resuscitation training.
Need an AED? Contact AED First Response
If your facility isn’t equipped with an AED, AED First Response is here to help. We offer a range of affordable, high-quality AED devices suited for homes, offices, and public spaces. Here's why customers trust us:
- Comprehensive Support: We help you select the right AED and provide training resources for your team or family.
- Maintenance Reminders: We’ll handle the tracking of your AED’s battery and pads, sending you reminders to keep it ready for emergencies.
- Trusted Products: We offer top brands like Physio-Control, Philips, Zoll, and HeartSine to ensure you have reliable life-saving technology.
Call us at 888.462.9502 or email us at customerservice@aedfirstresponse.com for more information.
