Electricity and Your Heart
What You Need to Know about Sudden Cardiac Arrest
2/12/2024
Ronnie Ortiz, MD, Electrophysiologist with Aspirus Heart Care
Sudden cardiac
arrest poses a serious threat, quietly affecting over 356,000 lives in the
United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). In light of this alarming statistic, Dr. Ronnie
Ortiz, Electrophysiologist with Aspirus Heart Care, underscores the
critical importance of understanding SCA as primarily an electrical issue,
distinct from traditional heart attacks.
Dr. Ortiz outlines
the intricate components of the heart, highlighting its multifaceted nature:
"The heart
comprises three main components: the plumbing (arteries), mechanical and
structural (muscles and valves), and electrical parts," explains Dr.
Ortiz. "Sudden cardiac arrest is primarily an electrical issue.
Recognizing this distinction is important because there's a lot we can do to
help prevent and treat it."
When it comes to
matters of the heart, timely intervention and access to life-saving resources,
such as automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), are paramount. Dr. Ortiz
emphasizes the significance of these resources:
"It’s extremely
beneficial because it can save somebody's life. The earlier you shock the
rhythm, the better the chance of the person surviving and the more reperfusion,
which means you'll be able to supply blood to the brain in vital organs."
In the absence of an
AED, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the next appropriate
step until help arrives, Dr. Ortiz advises.
Furthermore, Dr.
Ortiz stresses the importance of regular check-ups and the role of primary care
physicians in identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with sudden
cardiac arrest.
"It's crucial
to follow up with your primary care physician, especially for athletes, as it
provides vital cardiac history. Familial and genetic conditions can elevate the
risk of electrical abnormalities leading to sudden cardiac death, underlining
the significance of comprehensive medical history."
As Heart Month
unfolds, Aspirus Health remains committed to fostering heart health awareness
and empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards cardiovascular
wellness.
To schedule an
appointment with Dr. Ortiz or find an Aspirus provider, visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
For more information about cardiology services offered at Aspirus, visit www.aspirus.org/cardiology.
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