 | | The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as defined by the American Heart Association, include coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease); stroke (brain attack); high blood pressure (hypertension); and rheumatic heart disease. About 71 million US adults have one or more forms of CVD. Each year in the US, cardiovascular diseases top the list of most serious health problems. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death. Stroke is also the number one cause of serious, long-term disability. Yet, studies show that nearly everyone can become heart healthy by following a healthful diet and participating in an appropriate exercise program; eliminating tobacco products; and following a routine health care plan. Read more |
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A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that cardiac arrest and its survival varied greatly (five fold) depending on where the cardiac arrest occurred. Survival was low no matter where a person lived among the 10 North American cities or states in the study. Rates ranged from 1.1 percent in Alabama to 8.1 percent in Seattle. Most cardiac arrests are due to a sudden heart attack, and a heart attack can manifest itself as a cardiac arrest in about one-third of cases. Therefore, anyone suspecting a heart attack should take quick action by calling 911. Taking quick action in the case of cardiac arrest increases survival because help is on the way. Signs of a heart attack are intense and may include one or more of the following: chest pain, arm pain, jaw pain, sweating, palpations, nausea and light headedness. Differences in rescue of cardiac arrest victims vary between regions due to many factors. Availability of external defibrillators is a primary factor. However, simply having defibrillators is not enough. Responders need to know how to administer CPR and properly work the defibrillator. Cardiac arrest associated with rhythm called ventricular fibrillation that can be converted to normal rhythm with a defibrillator is tied to a higher survival rate. The survival with this rhythm and prompt defibrillation with an external defibrillator ranges from 7.7 to 39.9 percent, depending on geographic region. Why is geographic variation significant? Availability of defibrillators, knowledge and skill of responders, and response time are key factors. Responders also must be motivated to rescue cardiac arrest victims. The use of CPR during emergency assistance varies from 40.3 to 86.7 percent. In other words, in some communities, the majority of bystanders choose to do nothing. In other communities, a large majority choose to respond. Perhaps emergency response is a product of public education. On the other hand, the choice to not respond could be influenced by fear. An argument can be made for intense community education regarding methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Likewise, purchase and distribution of defibrillators, along with instructions on proper usage could help improve survival rates. Most hospitals offer CPR education as a public service. Anyone interested in healthy aging should insist on widespread community efforts to train people who are likely to encounter the next cardiac arrest. MUSC Online Resources Related to Cardiac Arrest:
MUSC Heart and Vascular Center
MUSC Podcast Library: Cardiac Arrest
MUSC Heart Aware: Heart Risk Assessment Additional Online Resources Outside MUSCHealth.com:
(MedlinePlus, is an excellent source of health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine. Health professionals and consumers alike can depend on it for information that is authoritative and up to date. MedlinePlus has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 650 diseases and conditions.) Please note that by searching MEDLINEPLUS you will be leaving the MUSChealth.com web  Back to Top
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