BE THE BEAT FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE
Learn Hands-Only CPR for the people in your life
The American Heart Association is challenging at least one person in every household to learn Hands-Only CPR so they can Be the Beat for their loved ones.
Each year in the U.S., more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival—which is key since about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die.
And, because about 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, odds are the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend[1]. Hands-Only CPR is quick and simple to learn and can be performed by any family member or bystanders. Kate Lino of the American Heart Association is here to discuss the importance of CPR and how you can take action.
In the Central Valley, the community is invited to attend the America Heart Association’s annual fundraiser, the Central Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon on March 16. The goal is to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women and raise funds to reduce these killers. You can learn more at centralvalleygored.heart.org.
LB Why did the American Heart Association focus on CPR this year for Heart Month?
KL Surviving from sudden cardiac arrest really depends on the people around you. Immediate, quality CPR and early access to an automated external defibrillator, or AED, can be the difference between life and death. We all saw that play out in real time on Monday Night Football in January when Buffalo Bill’s player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field from sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to quick CPR on the field and access to an AED, he survived his incident. If at least one person in every household knows CPR, imagine the impact we could make on increasing survival rates from cardiac arrest.
LB Tell us more about Hands-Only CPR.
KL Research shows that Hands-Only CPR—chest compressions without rescue breaths—is as effective as conventional CPR (the combination of chest compressions and breaths). The American Heart Association launched Hands-Only CPR in 2008 to help bystanders overcome any hesitation they might have in giving breaths to a stranger. We wanted to break down any barriers to cardiac arrest victims getting CPR and make it accessible to anyone.
LB So no breaths? What are the steps to Hands-Only CPR?
KL Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps, and anyone can learn it from a 90-second video available at heart.org/handsonlycpr.
Step 1: If a teen or adult in your home suddenly collapses, call 911 immediately.
Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other, as shown in the video, and push hard and fast on the center of the chest.
LB And this year’s campaign, Be the Beat, has a tie to music?
KL Believe it or not, you can remember how fast to do chest compressions if you time your compressions to any song with 100-120 beats per minute. The song most people associate with the right compression rate is the disco classic “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. If disco is not your thing, our Don’t Drop the Beat playlist includes a variety of 100-120 beat per minute songs that will all work, too.
LB In addition to learning CPR, what can people do to “Be the Beat” for their own heart health?
KL Even though heart attack and stroke are the No. 1 killers of people living in the United States, the majority of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Here are some habits that can benefit your heart and brain health:
Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week (or, just getting started and working your way there!)
Preparing a healthy meal
Quitting smoking or vaping
Scheduling an annual wellness visit
Learning your key health numbers: blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure
Finding ways to relax and ease your mind, such as starting a meditation practice
Getting enough sleep
LB Why the focus on women’s heart health?
KL Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killer of women. They claim more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. Women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women.
Gen Z and Millennials are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. And women are less likely to receive Hands-Only CPR from a bystander. All these reasons are important reasons to participate and raise awareness. Go Red for Women believes losing even one woman to heart disease and stroke is too many.
[1] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association
Photos courtesy of the American Heart Association Newsroom
