Parkland physician shares lifesaving message during American Heart Month
In cardiac arrest, every second counts
February is recognized as American Heart Month, a time to highlight the importance of heart health and the ongoing toll of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The month also serves as a reminder that critical, lifesaving training can make all the difference during a cardiac emergency.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, preventing blood flow throughout the brain and other vital organs. Each year, more than 356,000 people in the U.S. suffer from cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chances of survival decrease significantly with every minute that passes without immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“You can't wait five or 10 minutes for emergency medical services to get there. You need to make sure everyone in the house knows how to perform CPR and is able to act right there,” said Anezi Uzendu, MD, Interventional Cardiologist at Parkland Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
More than 70% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home, and nearly 15% happen in a public space. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival, according to the American Heart Association.
Nine in 10 cardiac arrest victims survive if they receive a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the first minute, according to the American Heart Association. AED machines are now widely available in settings such as schools, airports and train stations, office buildings and sports arenas and stadiums, and offer step-by-step instructions on how to use the device.
Dr. Uzendu says responding quickly comes down to a few basic steps:
- Check for breathing and responsiveness while someone calls 911.
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin chest compressions until first responders arrive.
- If an AED is available, retrieve it, turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
This American Heart Month, Dr. Uzendu hopes more people will take time to learn CPR and feel confident responding in an emergency.
“It can happen to anyone. And time is of the essence,” he said. “It’s really important to know what to do so that you can help save a life.”
Although cardiac arrest can happen even in people with no known health conditions, Dr. Uzendu says there are steps everyone can take to support heart health and lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, including:
- Avoiding nicotine products
- Limiting ultra-processed foods
- Getting 6–8 hours of sleep each night
- Aiming for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
“It’s vital to work with one of your primary care doctors to understand where you are and treat the things that can be treated so that you can live a long and healthy life for yourself and for your family,” he said.
The American Heart Association and American Red Cross offer several options for CPR courses, both virtually and in-person.
For information about services at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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