Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

October 10, 2012

"Whoever saves a single life, it is as if he had saved the whole world…" The Talmud

Eleven years ago, I was like most people. Bad things happened to other people—not to me or my family. Then, in a matter of minutes one summer afternoon, my life changed forever. My seemingly healthy, three year old daughter, Alayna, died after collapsing and going into sudden cardiac arrest. An undetected heart condition was later determined to be the cause. I dedicate this blog to her and hope that in sharing this information, another family will be spared the devastating loss of a family member.

October is SCA Awareness Month. If you read nothing else in this blog, please take note of these warning signs from Parent Heart Watch that may indicate an individual is at risk for SCA:

• Fainting or seizure during physical activity
• Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, distress, or startle
• Chest pain or discomfort/ racing heart
• Unexplained fainting or seizure
• Family history of heart disease
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue/tiredness
• Dizziness/ lightheadedness during physical activity

According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the U.S.A., killing more than 325,000 people each year. SCA is not the same as a heart attack. It can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, and even those in good health. Evidence of this can be seen in reports of world class professional athletes who have suddenly collapsed and died without warning.

The general public can make a difference by learning about the Cardiac Chain of Survival, knowing CPR, and advocating for placement of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in all public areas. Two good web sites to go to for more information are www.parentheartwatch.org and www.suddencardiacarrest.org. The Library databases under the subjects of health and science are also good sources of information.

I share this information and my personal connection to this topic in hope that another family will not have their lives changed forever. Please go on to share this blog with your family and friends. You could be saving a life.

Karen G.
Blue Springs North Branch