Friday, August 21, 2015

Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack

 Do you know the difference between SCA and a heart attack? It is imperative that all people these days know that there truly is a difference. 



SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is much different than a heart attack in that their root problems that lead to the malfunction are different. Heart attacks occur when there is a blockage in either one or many arteries to the heart, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching the heart.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an electrical malfunction leading to an irregularly fast heartbeat. Often times, the blood flow to the brain is reduced leading to a loss of consciousness almost immediately. In short, sudden cardiac arrest can happen during a heart attack but it is not a heart attack.

While there are some symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, often times it strikes with little or no alert. In fact - with Zachary Schrah, there were no symptoms, there were no warning signs.

If you or someone you know begins to feel dizzy or their heart begins racing and it alerts them—take them immediately to a emergency facility or call 911.

If you or someone you know has had a previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, practices coronary-risking behavior such as smoking, unhealthy eating habits or recreational drug abuse, advise them of the dangers and help grow awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It is vital to share this information with your doctor so that you can both assess ways to lower your risk of this potentially-fatal condition.

More information can be found here - http://www.sca-aware.org/blog/scafoundation/sca-and-heart-attack-understanding-the-difference.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

How to Use an AED


Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be the difference between life and death in the critical seconds after a heart attack. AED’s are often the only hope of survival until emergency personnel arrive.

Don’t know how to use an AED? Don’t worry. It's simple. Turn on the AED, Follow the Prompts/Instructions and press SHOCK if instructed to do so. 

In recent years, public locations including airports, malls, gyms and office complexes have all worked to make AEDs more readily available for the public. After you’ve watched the above video, know that AEDs can be operated in three simple steps: Turn on and apply the AED to the person, follow the verbal commands and prompts and finally, click the shock button when the AED instructs you to.

Remember, the moments after a heart attack are crucial. So act quickly and be confident!

Monday, August 17, 2015

New SCA Stats and Risk Factors

What exactly is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Sudden Cardiac Arrest, referred to as SCA is one of the
leading causes of death in the United States. People of all ages can die of SCA. Though more adults are victims of adults, youth are also affected.

These new SCA statistics show that Sudden Cardiac Arrest in a major tragedy and all should know CPR and how to use an AED. 

The Risks of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Statistics are: 
  • Family history of cardiac arrest in a immediate relative.
  • More African American's are struck than Caucasian and more men than females. To read more about this statistic - click here.
  • Smoking
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • High Cholestrol
To read more about the new Sudden Cardiac Arrest statistics - click here.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Save the Date - Saturday October 24, 2015!

Join Living for Zachary on Saturday, October 24th at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve for our 7th Annual HeartBeats Run including a 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk, LIVE music from Live 80 and the School of Rock!
Prizes will be awarded to best Rock 'n' Roll costume!  
$500 cash prize awarded to largest team!
(*$2 discount when registering as a team)

Register NOW~!