Making sure that you know the difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest is imperative as all the information comes out about SCA.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
differs from 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.
The American Heart Association
is asking what if you say an individual collapse? What would you do?
Would you be able to save that person's life? How long does it take you
to pour a cup of coffee, add your sugar and creamer? You could save a life in the same amount of time that you have your morning coffee.
Protecting
our children is probably the most important thing that you have on your
mind most days, however... are you doing all you can do for your child?
The more information that comes out about SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) the more shocking is becomes that parent's do not take steps to protect their children.
We
make sure our kid's tires are good on their cars, we take them for
normal check-up's at the Doctor's office, we watch their doing's on the
computer etc. in order to keep the children safe, but we cannot take ONE EXTRA STEP to protect our kid's from SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.
SCA is not picky, it can hit no matter what color, what time, or what age you are. Heart Screening will help pick up any heart abnormalities and could save your child's life.
Not sure of all the signs and symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Awareness? Below are some, but more information on SCA Signs and Symptoms can be found at the Mayo Clinic or visit your regular Doctor and ask about heart screenings for kids and the risk your child could have.
SCA Signs and Symptoms:
Fainting (syncope) or seizure during or after physical activity
Unexplainable fainting or seizure
Family history of heart disease
Unexplained shortness of breath
Unusual tiredness or fatigue
Dizziness/ Light Headed
Any chest pain or chest discomfort
Your
child could or could not have these symptoms therefore you might not
always have a "heads up" that something is wrong. Simple heart
screenings can help know your child's risk.
Be aware, it's not so rare... what a great new title for the Parent Heart Watch program.
If you don't understand SCA or know the risks or even believe in additional testing for your child - take a look at the Stories from the Heart page on the Parent Heart Watch
site. You might be a believer when you see all the beautiful young
children that could have possibly been saved due to heart screening.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) claims the lives of nearly 300,000 Americans each year – almost 1,000 lives per day. SCA does not discriminate – it can affect people of all ages, all races and genders, and even people in overall good health. Even active, healthy teenagers participating in everyday activities such as sports or dance or socializing.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest sounds scary because it IS scary. Between 5,000 and 7,000 youth in the United States die from SCA each year. Young athletes seem to be particularly at risk – every third day sees a young athlete competing in sports who suffers sudden cardiac arrest. These attacks happen suddenly and without warning, and many times no one knew the teen had a heart abnormality because SCA often shows no symptoms before claiming a life.
There are few ways to survive SCA, but cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) help increase the odds of survival. Sadly, 95 percent of SCA attacks are fatal because the victims are alone or the medical equipment and knowledge of CPR is not available. The Living for Zachary organization is dedicated to changing this statistic by encouraging the public to learn CPR and supporting the placement of AEDs in public places.
Like many health risks, prevention and early detection can be invaluable when it comes to saving lives. A simple heart screening such as the “Living for Zachary Heart Screening,” which helps determine a teen’s risk of sudden cardiac arrest or other cardiac event, could have helped save many young lives already taken by SCA.
The “Living for Zachary Heart Screening” is designed for youth ages 13-22, and it can help detect heart abnormalities that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and other heart conditions. This non-invasive screening package includes a blood pressure screening, electrocardiogram, and a 2D echocardiogram. For $100, parents and loved ones can have the peace of mind knowing that their teen’s heart is functioning properly. If abnormalities are discovered during the screening, teens are referred to a pediatric cardiologist to further explore the findings. To sign up for this potentially life-saving screening, call 1-800-4BAYLOR and ask for the “Living for Zachary Heart Screening.” Appointments take about 30 minutes and are conducted on Saturdays to minimize the need to miss school or work.
As a community, we need to know and address the fact that Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is real and happening every single day to our youth. Some are taking their last breaths on the basketball court, the football field, the dance floor and even at rest. Help the Living for Zachary organization spread the word about the dangers of SCA. Let your heart be HEARD by having your teen’s heart screened.
Living 4 Zachary is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth - in honor of 16 Year old Zachary Schrah, of Plano, Texas.
Visit our site to learn more - at www.living4zachary.org.
