Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest

(October is Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month)

(Southern Illinois) – Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States resulting in approximately 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year. October is Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month. Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) encourages residents to know the warning signs of a sudden cardiac event and be ready if help is needed.

The first step in understanding a sudden cardiac arrest is that it is different from a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest happens suddenly and often without warning due to an electrical failure in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

The heart stops beating which results in reduced blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. The person loses consciousness and will die if help is not given immediately.

A heart attack is a circulation problem and occurs when a blocked artery stops blood from reaching a section of the heart. Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, pain in the arm, neck, or jaw, cold sweats, and nausea. They often start slowly and can last for hours or days before a heart attack.

The longer a person goes without treatment from a sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack, the greater the damage to the heart muscle and the rest of the body. In some cases, a heart attack can trigger a sudden cardiac arrest.

The best treatment of a sudden cardiac arrest begins with an early response that includes CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). If you suspect someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately and provide CPR if needed. Do not stop CPR until EMS arrives and takes over care. Should the person regain consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink and stay with them until help arrives. 

If you have questions regarding your own heart health, talk with your healthcare provider or call Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471 or visit ruralhealthinc.org to schedule an appointment with a provider near you. To enroll in a CPR course, contact your local hospital, college, or university for scheduling information.

Rural Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization designated by the federal government as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Johnson, Massac, and Union counties in Illinois providing quality medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services to all patients in need of healthcare while being committed to the overall health and well-being of the underserved. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance carriers are accepted.

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