Don't risk sudden cardiac arrest.
OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital and HeartCare Midwest are launching an awareness campaign designed to educate people about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the importance of knowing their ejection fraction (EF) score. This is a very serious heart health issue: claiming an estimated 325,000 lives each year. SCA kills 1,000 people a day or one person every two minutes; taking more lives each year than breast or lung cancer.
SCA is different from a heart attack. A heart attack blocks blood to the heart. SCA stops the heart. Unlike a heart attack, there are no warning signs, and SCA can strike anyone. Facing the highest risk of SCA are heart attack survivors, those who have congestive heart failure, and individuals who have had heart surgery.
Your ejection fraction score is used to determine how strong your heart is pumping. And a score under 35 can put you at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
When it comes to your heart, talk to your doctor, and know your EF score.
Meet Dolores, Betty, and Terry.
Dolores | Age 71 | EF score 30With a history of heart failure and shortness of breath, her EF score put her on the road to sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to our help, the only road Dolores is on is the one she likes to travel.
Betty | Age 67 | EF score 20Betty’s history of heart failure and slow heart beats,
combined with a low EF score, meant she was at risk
for sudden cardiac arrest. Because our experts knew what to do,
she’s still giving people the perfect ‘do as a hairdresser.
Terry | Age 68 | EF score 3236 years ago, he survived a heart attack; but Terry’s EF score
still put him at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Because we’re
leading the way in treatment, he’s still able to lead the way
as a community volunteer leader.
