What you need to know about the leading cause of death in the US

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac death causes more than 356,000 deaths, including 23,000 in young people under the age of 18.

Matt Siebert, a volunteer with the American Heart Association of Central Virginia, spoke with Scripps News Richmond to share life-saving information during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Month.

Siebert said the issue is close to his heart. In the seventh grade, he said, he had an accident in the gym when a basketball hit him so hard in the chest that he went into cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed and resuscitated. After that experience, Siebert dedicated his life to educating people about life-saving measures in the hope that others could experience the same joy of a second chance at life.

There are important differences between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack.
Siebert said cardiac arrest means the heart suddenly stops or stops altogether. A heart attack occurs when there is an injury to the heart. Experts believe that heart attacks often exclude sudden cardiac arrest, so time to seek help is critical.

Automated external defibrillators are one life-saving device that can be used. Siebert said it’s important for people not to panic and take steps to use them immediately in an emergency.

The American Heart Association goes into communities to teach people how to use them and how to perform CPR. They have too a guide at home where people can learn by themselves.

AEDs are located in many public places, in grocery stores, shopping malls, parks, schools and workplaces.

“Early CPR response and EMS notification leads to a much better outcome,” Siebert said.

This fall, Scripps News Richmond is partnering with the American Heart Association to share life-saving tips and stories. This partnership is made possible by the Leaders of Impact nomination of Scripps News Richmond reporter Maggie Marshall. She works with a group of leaders to highlight the importance of heart health. You can donate here to help her become the 2024 Central Virginia Impact Leader.

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This story was originally published by Maggie Marshall on Scripps News Richmond.