Inside This Issue New Legislation for AEDs in Schools AEDs Safe for Young Hearts Don't Ignore Heart Attack Warning Signs Drug Protects Weak Hearts A New Way to Replace Heart Valves Preventing Heart Disease Know Your Cholesterol Ratio Heart of the Matter
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Defibrillators save lives. And minutes count. Dr. Douglas Zipes, who is spearheading the Neighborhood Heart Watch initiative to place AEDs in communities across the country, recently heard from a colleague whose father had suffered a heart attack. Fortunately, the older man called for emergency medical assistance and collapsed only after paramedics entered his home. An AED promptly restarted his heart, and he is doing well after placement of stents and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Interestingly, the victim's wife was out of town when the heart attack occurred. The cardiologist is certain the AED-equipped paramedics saved his father's life. "Keep up the good work--lives are being saved," he told Dr. Zipes. Heart attacks can trigger a chaotic heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation and lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Unless a defibrillator is used, death follows in a matter of minutes. Symptoms of a heart attack include discomfort in the chest and other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness.