Eating Well To Maintain a Healthy Heart

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Every year millions of people suffer from this disease, and one of the main reasons behind it is an improper diet. As such, it is very important for us to be aware of the correct diet to be followed in order to avoid being a victim of heart disease.


We need to cut down on foods having a high content of saturated and trans fat as they help in increasing the cholesterol level in our body which in turn leads to heart disease and a condition called as atherosclerosis which causes heart attack and strokes. In order to do this, we need to consume less solid fats such as butter, margarine, lard, bacon, gravy, cream sauce, non dairy creamers, cocoa butter, shortening, cookies, crackers and chips. We can use products like low fat yogurt and salsa as substitutes. For cooking, we need to use mono saturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil instead of coconut, palm, cotton seed and palm-kernel oils.

We should get our daily proteins from low fat sources rather than high fat ones. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes such as peas, beans and lentils, skim or low fat milk, low fat yogurt, skinless poultry and soy beans and soy products are all excellent sources of proteins. We need to avoid full fat milk, organ meats, egg yolks, fatty meats, cold cuts, fried or canned meats and sausages.

Vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and as such we should learn to include a good amount of fruits and vegetables in our everyday diet. However, we should avoid vegetables with creamy sauces, fried or breaded vegetables and canned fruits. Whole grains also are a good source of fibers and nutrients and also help in regulating the heart pressure. We need to eat foods like whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta , oatmeal and ground flaxseed to lower our cholesterol and avoid foods like muffins, waffles, corn bread, dough nuts, biscuits, quick breads, granola bars, cakes, pies, egg noodles, cakes and pies.

People who eat a lot of salt are prone to high blood pressure which is one of the symptoms of heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests that adults should eat less than 2,300 milligrams of salt on a daily basis. We need to reduce the amount of salt that we use in cooking and also stop eating canned or processed foods which contain a lot of salt. We should also not use tomato ketchups and sauces and substitute them with herbs, spices and reduced salt versions of condiments. Thus, based on the above mentioned foods that need to be consumed for a healthy heart, we need to prepare a chart indicating the foods we need to consume on a daily basis and follow it properly. We should never eat more than required and exercise everyday to stay fit and have a healthy heart.

If you enjoyed this article, please see our website where you'll find a large selection of automated external defibulators and aed pads.

Keeping an AED Onsite at the Workplace

According to reports, about 150 million Americans spend more than half of their waking hours at work. So don’t you think it’s wise to keep an AED where you spend the majority of your day. A sudden cardiac arrest can occur anytime without any pronounced symptoms. It occurs due to a condition called as ventricular defibrillation which causes the heart to beat in an erratic manner and this makes the heart pump blood ineffectively and to suddenly stop. The person loses consciousness and experiences breathing problems and unless treated within the first four minutes of this condition occurring, it is very tough to save the person.


The first step is to call for help. After you’ve called for help, check to see if the victim is breathing. If it’s confirmed that the victim isn’t breathing, then start cardiopulmonary resuscitation, followed by the most important step which is defibrillation. Defibrillation means treatment of the heart by means of an electric current which regulates the heart beat. An automated external defibrillator is used for this treatment. An AED as it is known as, is a portable, electric device that can diagnose if the heart has stopped beating and deliver a shock if required.

Even though your first step was to call for help, it may take several minutes for first responders to arrive on scene. That said, it’s highly recommended that companies keep an automated external defibrillator onsite. Companies can integrate the proper usage on an AED into their yearly emergency training protocols.

Some organizations are already providing a free medical checkup to their employees to check for any symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. Many organizations like American Heart Association are making sure that AED’s are easily accessible to all employees and are providing professional training as well.

If you’re interested in the proper usage or placement of an AED for your business, please contact us and a knowledgeable staff member will answer any questions you might have.

Do all AED’s Work the Same?

The basic principles of which AED’s operate are the same. They are used for defibrillation and help to administer shocks to the victim, which can greatly improve his chances of recovery. The means of communication between the AED and the user varies according to the AED. AED’s communicate to the user by giving them instructions about shock administration process.

AED’s can choose to communicate these instructions in different ways. Some AED’s give instructions with the help of voice prompts. The user has to listen to the instructions and follow them accordingly. Other AED’s use a visual screen and all the instructions are displayed on the screen. The users can hear the instructions as many times as they want, till they are absolutely sure about the action to be performed.

Nowadays, AED’s mostly include both of the above mentioned process. A few AED’s also store information about the treatment process and the actions taken by the user, so that they can be reviewed later and the efficiency of the treatment can be determined. Thus, though different AED’s have different features, the basic mechanism is the same.

















Is it Safe to use AED’s on Metal Surfaces?

AED’s are the most reliable form of treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. When an AED is used to treat the victim, the pads of the AED are placed on the victim’s chest and his condition is monitored, and if found necessary a shock is given only after making sure that no person is touching the victim, as this might not be safe for both of them. The electrodes used for defibrillation should not touch the user at any point of time, and care should to be taken to make sure contact does not take place.

It is also completely fine to use AED’s on metal surfaces without any possible threats or compromises. The necessary safety precautions have to be taken during the operation of AED and if all the precautions are properly followed, then there is no danger in using AED’s on metal surfaces. A picture of an AED is shown below:

Thus, AED’s being an efficient method of treatment in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, it is very important to locate them at all accessible places and also give the basic knowledge of safety precautions and usage to all the people.

Is It Possible to Administer an Unnecessary Shock with AED’s?

When the AED is turned on, the pads have to be placed on the victim’s chest for the device to monitor his condition. The AED monitors the victim’s heartbeat and then considers various factors before deciding that a shock is necessary. After getting charged, it instructs the user to administer the shock and gives detailed instructions to help in administering the shock.

After the first shock is given, it will monitor the statistics of the victim and decide if another shock is necessary and then proceeds in a similar manner. Thus, as we can see the AED only after careful consideration decides if a shock is necessary or not.

If the AED does not see the need for a shock, it will instruct the user to perform chest compressions on the victim. AED’s are manufactured using the highest technology available and are the best option for treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. AED’s are safe and very reliable and highly efficient devices. Below is a picture of a Philips Onsite Defibrillator.


Why We Should Not Rely on Traditional Emergency Services during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Usually if a person experiences any medical condition, people call the emergency services and wait for them to arrive to take care of the victim. The same approach if followed during a sudden cardiac arrest can reduce the chances of survival of the victim by a great margin.

In sudden cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are extremely important and the victim has to be given treatment with the help of a defibrillator within the first four minutes of the arrest, after which the chances of survival drop by ten percent every minute. Thus, it is an extremely critical condition and needs immediate attention.

Usually paramedics and EMT’s are among the first people to arrive, and though they are extensively trained, they might not know to operate an AED which is required for defibrillation purposes. Also, they might arrive a bit late on the scene, because of constraints such as traffic, long travel distance and other factors.

As it is not possible to wait for the anyone during an emergency, it is recommended that AED’s be placed at all public places and training be given to all people to help increase the number of survivors of this condition.

The HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator


With over 340,000 people becoming victims of sudden cardiac arrest every year, it is extremely important to have a reliable defibrillator at a handy location. The Philips HeartStart defibrillator can be used for shock administration to any person at any time. Weighing just 3.3lbs, it is extremely light and portable.

When you switch it on, the defibrillator instructs us in a clear manner about the necessary steps to be taken to administer shock to the victim. CPR coaching is provided to make sure that the person gains confidence about the entire process. The Philips HeartStart defibrillator works on the two technologically advanced features of SMART Analysis heart rhythm assessment and SMART Biphasic defibrillation therapy. It even has the Quick Shock feature, which allows the shock to be administered to the victim in matter of seconds soon after CPR. A picture of the Philips HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator is shown to the right.

Thus, with so many features, buying the Philips HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator can prove to be a very good decision.

Recording Vital Information with the Zoll AED Pro




The Zoll AED Pro is one of the sturdiest defibrillators available in the market. Both the chest compression rate and depth are measured and reported as real-time statistics to make sure that the data is as accurate as possible. It has both visual and audio options for data reporting. All CPR data can be instantly recorded and also viewed at any time with the help of the RescueNet Code Review software.

All the vital information such as ECG waveforms, heartrate, shock administration can be viewed on the LCD screen in a clear manner. You can choose the operating mode you are most comfortable with. The AED Pro is equipped with an internal memory and also comes with an USB drive for easy data transfer. There are three choices available for the battery and as such, we can choose the one that is the most compatible with our system. It is extremely easy to carry and is lightweight. A picture of the Zoll AED Pro is shown above.

The Benefits of CPR stat padz and CPR-D padz

The CPR-D padz are specifically designed for Zoll AED’s. They are designed in such a way that, it is extremely easy to place them on the victim’s chest during an emergency. It is a one-piece construction. The CPR-D stat padz has a shell life of over 5 years which is a strong indication of its durability.

The CPR stat padz is a two-piece construction and is primarily designed for the Zoll manual defibrillators. It is responsible for making all the therapy choices available to the ALS responder. It is also designed in such a way that it can be placed on the anterior/anterior as well as the anterior/posterior position. The CPR stat padz has a shell life of two years.

Picture of ZOLL stat pad














Picture of ZOLL CPR-D pad


Both these CPR padz contain advanced features of Real CPR Help, See- Thru CPR and CPR Index. If these electrode are used, there is no additional help required such as special sensors, steps or cables.

The Durability of the Zoll AED Pro

One of the best features of the Zoll AED Pro defibrillator is its sturdiness. Designed to work in all conditions, this defibrillator promises never to go out of action even in the most unfavorable of situations. The Zoll AED Pro Defibrillator is given the IP55 rating for water resistance to high pressure jets. This is one of the best possible features to demonstrate the durability and capability of this defibrillator.

The Zoll AED Pro defibrillator has been designed using the highest levels of technology and is tuned to serve in all situations. This defibrillator can pass a 1.5 meter drop test which is an indication of its long lasting ability. A picture of the Zoll AED Pro is shown below:

Zoll AED Pro

Thus, for people who want to be sure that their AED’s are in top class condition always and can last for a very long time, buying a Zoll AED Pro is a highly recommended option.

The Importance of Having an AED at Home

Most of us neglect or do not understand the importance of an AED at home. We simply assume that AED’s are only meant to be at hospitals and workplaces and have no place at home. This is definitely a huge misconception as AED’s are one of the most vital devices that one can have at home. According to recent statistics, 80% of sudden cardiac arrest cases occur at home.

Most of us spend half our time at home, and as such we have to be prepared for any event. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most serious conditions that one can experience and the recovery of the patient solely depends on the first few minutes. If proper treatment is not administered within the first few minutes, then the chances of the person surviving is very less.



Thus, it is highly essential that all homes should be equipped with AED’s and always be prepared to combat any situation.

Who are at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest can have severe consequences, and results in death most of the times. The survival rate for this condition is very low, with only 1 out of 20 victims surviving. People who appear healthy and have no previous history of heart related conditions can also be subjected to sudden cardiac arrest.

People who have a family history of heart diseases and conditions need to get themselves examined by a doctor in order to know their risks and chances of being affected by this condition. People who have suffered a heart attack previously are also at risk for this condition. In addition to the above, people who experience a lot of stress because of their work style and people who are overweight have greater chances of suffering from this condition.

Thus, every person who is at the risk for this condition needs to get a complete check-up done by a specialist and then seek further options depending on the results.


What Happens During Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with more than 300,000 people suffering from it every year. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs because of a condition known as ventricular fibrillation. Our heart has an electrical chamber which produces electrical impulses. These electrical impulses occur in a regular manner causing the heart to contract in a rhythmic manner. During sudden cardiac arrest, the electrical impulses are produced in an irregular manner, causing the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart, to fibrillate instead of contracting.

As a result of this action, the ventricles cannot pump blood to other parts of the body. Lack of oxygen to the brain, makes the person unconscious. Unless immediate treatment is given by way of automated external defibrillator (AED), and that too within the first few minutes of the sudden cardiac arrest, the chances of the person surviving are very low. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone at anytime.

Picture of an AED
Philips HeartStart FRx AED
The Seriousness and Consequences of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most serious conditions that a person can experience. Though it is commonly confused with a heart attack, a sudden cardiac arrest is a completely different condition. It is one of the top five causes of death in the United States. It strikes over 300,000 people every year and among all of them, only a mere 5% manage to survive after the sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere at any time. School children, teenagers and adults can all suffer from this condition and this is the main reason behind the installation of AED’s at all schools, workplaces and homes. The treatment for sudden cardiac arrest has to be administered within minutes, failing which, the person loses his life.

Picture of an AED

Defibtech LifeLine DCF-100 AED

Only one out of every 20 victims of sudden cardiac arrest survives and this is mainly because of immediate treatment given with the help of an AED. Thus, it is highly essential to have an AED present at all places and homes and also make it accessible to everyone at all times.

AED's at Workplace

Why Do We Need AED’s at Work Place?

The seriousness of a sudden cardiac arrest is based on the statistics involved with this condition.

Over 300,000 Americans lose their lived due to sudden cardiac arrest every year and with over 150 million Americans spending more than half their day in their workplace, the need for AED’s cannot be underestimated.

AED’s are one of the most effective options when it comes to the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.

Every place of work needs to be installed with AED’s depending on the number of people working in it. Many states in America have already passed laws making it mandatory for employers to install AED’s at the workplace.

All the employees should be given adequate training so that they can help any person who is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. The treatment for this condition has to be administered within minutes, otherwise it might result in loss of life.

Thus, with the easy availability of AED’s every workplace and organization should take all measures to ensure that they are equipped with sufficient AED’s. AED’s can be easily purchases at really reasonable prices from http://www.aedlifepower.com

Zoll CPR-D padz Total Cost of Ownership


Zoll is the only company to offer a one-piece, pre-connected pair of electrodes. Other AED’s require the rescuer to place two pads to the patient. Although this is not difficult, Zoll has designed a pad that is easy to operate which can be very helpful during a stressful situation. That pads along with the AED Plus also monitor the CPR the rescuers is providing. It will provide audible and visible voice commands giving feedback and instructions to the rescuer.

Zoll CPR-D padz last five years making them longest shelf life of any electrodes sold on the market. That’s 2-3 years longer than all other AED manufacturers. The upfront cost of the Zoll CPR-D padz is higher, over the 10 year lifetime of the AED, you will only need to replace the pads once, whereas with other manufactures you may need to replace pads 5-15 times. When you consider that you may need to replace pads 5-15 times the total cost of ownership is between 250%-750% compared to Zoll.

Contact AEDLIFEPOWER today to discuss the benefits of a Zoll AED Plus.

samaritan® PAD Public Access Defibrillator

The samaritan® PAD manufactured by HeartSine is the smallest and lightest AED on the market weighing just 2.4 lbs and measuring just 8" x 7.25" x 1.9" including the battery. Although small, the samaritan® PAD is very durable and carries the industries highest rating against dust and water. This AED is a smart choice for those in medical services or first responders.

The samaritan PAD is very easy to use. It features an easy-to-understand visual and oral prompts that guide the user through the process. It also features an easy two-button operation. ON and SHOCK are the only required buttons, providing straightforward operation.

The samaritan PAD is always ready. It has a System Status Ready indicator that flashes when the system is fully operational and ready to use.

The total cost of ownership is very low for the samaritan PAD. There are only two parts that need to be replaced: Pak Pak and battery both with one expiration date. The battery and pad units have a 3.5 year shelf life which is significantly longer than most competitors.

If you're interested in purchasing an AED for your home, business, school, or church, please contact AEDLIFEPOWER and our knowledgeable representatives will answer any questions you might have and find the perfect AED for your needs.

$100 Rebate from Zoll


Purchase an AED Plus from an AEDLIFEPOWER and receive a $100 rebate check from Zoll Medical. This offer is only good through September 14, 2009. The list price for the Zoll Plus is $1649 and with the $100 savings makes it only $1549.


Zoll Plus is an advanced AED device that's features Real CPR Help. Real CPR Help is a feature that will provide audio and visual prompts to help the rescuer administer CPR.


The Zoll Plus with Real CPR Help will instruct you while you're performing CPR.


Not pushing hard enough? It will tell you to push hard.


Pushing hard enough? It will say, "Good compressions."


Not pushing fast enough? A metronome will lead you to the right rate. It will even show you the depth of each compression in real time.


Not yet started? The AED Plus will tell you again to get started.


Compressions stopped? It will tell you to continue.


The Zoll AED Plus will not only deliver a shock if required, it will also help the rescuer provide high-quality CPR which is critical in an emergency situation. Which of us wouldn't want a little help during a life or death situation.

State Regulations Requiring Dentists to have AED’s


Sudden cardiac arrest is the consequence of a condition called as ventricular defibrillation. The ventricles of the heart contract which results in the heart beating in an irregular and arrhythmic manner also known as arrhythmia. This erratic heartbeat causes the heart to stop pumping blood efficiently and then suddenly results in a sudden cardiac arrest which makes a person lose consciousness and experience breathlessness and unless treatment is given immediately, it is difficult for the person to survive.


It is the leading cause of death in the United States having more than 300,000 victims in a single year. The survival rate for this heart condition is very less, with a mere five percent out of the 300,000 victims emerging as survivors. The biggest risk that is associated with sudden cardiac arrest is that it strikes without warning. People of any race, gender or sex can all suffer from it. If we have had a heart attack or if we are suffering with a heart disease or if we have a family history of cardiac death, we have more chances of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

Experiencing fainting spells, breathlessness, nausea, chest pain are all symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. Having conditions like a previous heart disease history, having a low cardiac ejection fraction, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol all increase the chances of sudden cardiac arrest. The treatment of this condition is possible only by giving the patient cardiopulmonary resuscitation which means exhaling in to a person and pressing his chest in regular intervals to get oxygen into the system and the use of automated external defibrillators or AED’s which help in defibrillation which in turn means administering an electric shock in order to get the heart started.


An AED is very simple to use as it administers electric shocks depending on the heart condition and instructs the user with the help of a screen or by a voice prompt to help in giving the shocks. With such alarming statistics ,states like Florida have passed laws making it compulsory for dentist’s offices to have an AED.As most of the sudden cardiac arrests occur outside homes it is necessary to be well equipped. A vast number of people visit dentists and in case of such a situation occurring, all facilities must be ready to save the victim as unless treatment is given within the first five minutes the chances of survival are bleak.


The dentist and other workers in the office are required to learn the operation of the AED perfectly and keep it in an accessible place. According to reports, almost 200 cases of sudden cardiac arrests have been reported in dental offices. The chances of survival increase by 70% if an AED is used immediately. Thus, all dentists should consider installing an AED time at their work place because a person can suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest at any given time and they also consider it as a medical emergency office protocol.
For a large supply of AED's and AED Pad's please visit www.aedlifepower.com

Heartsine Samaritan PAD Trainer

The Heartsine Samaritan PAD Training System is designed to familiarize users with the functions of the Samaritan PAD. There are eight different scenarios to train for that adhere to AHA 2000 and 20005 guidelines. The Heartsine Samaritan PAD trainer allows for your family, colleagues, and medical professionals to familiarize themselves with connecting the pads to the patient while experiencing "real time" audio and visual prompts.


Simply press the On/Off button to select the scenario setting to use and follow the verbal voice commands to begin the training scenario.


Training Scenarios Scenario

1. No pads attached. Shock advised. Two minutes CPR. Scenario


2. No pads attached. No shock advised. Two minutes CPR. Scenario


3. No pads attached. Check pads. Shock advised. Scenario


4. Shock advised. Two minute CPR pause. Scenario


5. No pads attached. Shock advised (x3) One minute CPR. Shock advised. No show advised. One minute CPR. Scenario


6. No pads attached. Check pads. Shock advices (x2). No shock advised. One minute CPR. Scenario


7. Shock advised. No Shock advised. One minute CPR. Scenario


8. No pads attached. Shock advised. One minute CPR pause. Shock advised. One minute CPR pause. No shock advised.

Samaritan PAD AED and Samaratin AED training unit are a product of Heartsine. Heartsine was founded in 1997 for the purpose of developing easy to operate and affordable automated external defibrillators.

How to Place AED Pad's on the Chest

For those who have never used an AED, or are unfamiliar with it's simplicity, the idea of placing pad's on a victim and then sending an electrical shock can be a frightening thought. In this 38 second video, Bruce Blais will demonstrate how easy it really is to put the pad's on a victim suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.

AED's in the Workplace

Did you know most American's spend more than 1/2 of the time their awake at work? That's why it's important employers take extra precautions to create a safe workplace. With more than 50 percent of your day at work, often under stressful situations, don't you think it's wise to have an AED onsite. Read our full lenght article on the Importance of AED's in the Workforce.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Can Happen At Anytime - Will you be Prepared?

Over 300,000 people die every year in the United States due to ventricular defibrillation, or better known as Sudden Cardiac Arrests.

One day you may have to participate in an event where a family member, or even complete stranger is having a medical emergency where they've stopped breathing. In this event, it's important to first check for vi sable signs to confirm the victim is experiencing sudden cardiac arrests. Signs of sudden cardiac arrest can be acute pain in the left arm, trouble breathing, sweating, dizziness, and vomiting. These can all be very scary to witness but one should be prepared to help the victim.

The first step, is to call 911. You should not leave the patient alone so you should call out for help or ask someone at the scene to call 911.

Secondly, you should begin CPR to keep the flow of blood circulating through the body and brain. CPR may not revive the patient but it will prevent brain damage and allow time for an AED to be connected to the patient.

The next step would be to connect an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator should be connected to the victim. The AED will monitor the victims condition and check for heart beat irregularities. If the victim's heart is beating properly than the AED will not shock the victim. However, if the heart is not beating, or beating in an irregular condition, the AED will instruct you to press the necessary buttons to administer a shock.

This is brief desorption of the steps one should perform when witnessing sudden cardiac arrests. Please see our AED Education Center at www.AEDLIFEPOWER.com to find the full article along with many other potentially life saving articles. The care giver should always be CPR and AED trained, and consulted the manufacturer's manual for detail instructions for proper usage of an AED.

Quick Action from a Security Forces Squadron Commander Saves a Life

AEDLifePower would like to congratulate Mike Shults, Tinkier Security Officer, for saving the life of a 62 year old women with his quick thinking, CPR, and use of an Automated External Defibrillator. While Mike administered CPR to the unconscious women an AED was rushed to the scene. Under Mike's supervision, the AED delivered a single shock to her heart while he continued to administer CPR. Mike along with the paramedics were able to regain normal normal heart rhythms after 26 minutes. Congratulations Mike.

What is the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The differences between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are often confused. They both are related to a heart condition and both often result in death. It's no wonder so many of us confuse a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrests.

I have posted a detailed explaination of the diffences between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest on our website.

Michael Jackson Home was Not Equipped with a Defibrillator

It's been 5 days since the untimely death of Michael Jackson and we still aren't sure why he died. There is still a lot of speculation to the true cause of his death. Was is stress? Perhaps prescription medication? We are still hearing speculation as to the true cause of death, but we are now starting to hear other details as to the treatment Jackson received.

Contradicting first reports, we are now being told that Michael Jackson's home was not equipped with a defibrillator. Initial reports indicated otherwise, but now we know for sure the pop-star's home did not have a automated external defibrillator.

According to Michael Jackson's personal doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, the home was not equipped with an AED. In addition, an anonymous spokesman close to Jackson stated ''If there had been a defibrillator there, it would have been used."

We'll never know if Michael Jackson's life couldn't have been saved that day if an AED was present. But according to American Heart Association, the odds of survival from cardiac arrest improve 49% with the use of a defibrillator.

AED Saves 16 Year Old Football Players Life

A 16 year old high school student collapses during football practice is saved by the quick response of an athletic coach and an onsite AED. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone of any age. It’s important that an AED is readily available at home and public areas. Does your school have an AED onsite? Read the whole story here…

Recognize the Signs - Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and AED

Sudden Cardiac Arrest or SAC occurs because of a condition called ventricular defibrillation. During this condition, the lower chambers of the heart do not function properly. The fibrillation of the ventricles does not allow them to contract normally and as such poses a severe problem to pumping blood efficiently.

This arrhythmia causes the heart to not pump blood to the brain and other vital organs which results in the heart beating in a chaotic and irregular manner. If this condition is not treated in minutes with the help of an automatic external defibrillator or AED, then it can lead to the death of a person.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States with over 300,000 people experiencing it every year. The condition is quite fatal, with the victims having a survival rate of only 5%. As such, it is very important to know the factors that can cause this condition so that we can take all the precautions necessary to be healthy and safe.


The following are the symptoms which can lead to this condition in the future- people having a family history of heart disease, heart attack or cardiac death, people experiencing sudden fainting spells, shortness of breath an chest pain, having a heart attack can also lead to this condition, having a cardiac ejection fraction of less than 40% and having high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol are all the risk factors. Any person having these symptoms should immediately get a checkup done by a heart specialist.

The most common symptoms that a person having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest experiences chest pain, an acute pain in the left arm, shoulders or jaw, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, vomiting, nausea ,sweating ,immediate loss of consciousness, a racing heart beat and if no immediate action is taken then finally the breathing stops and death occurs.

When a person collapses from Sudden Cardiac Arrest then immediate action is required in order to save the person’s life. Calling 911 and any other emergency number should be immediately done so that we can be assured that professional help is at hand. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) should be done.

The AED first analyses the heart beat and the patient’s condition and through either a voice prompt or visual display indicates the next course of action that should be taken. It instructs the user to press a specific button which can help deliver a shock to bring back the person’s heart beat to normal. After the first shock is given, the device monitors the victim’s vital statistics and then decides if cardiopulmonary resuscitation or another shock is required or not.


AED’s should be installed in all public and workplaces and are very easy to use . Thus, the condition of Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a very dangerous and sudden one and as such we should take as much care as possible to prevent it as much as we can and should always consider having an AED in close proximatey.
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