The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Texas Tech Health Check

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Sudden cardiac arrest is a critical emergency where the heart unexpectedly stops beating. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, it strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teenagers. Sudden cardiac arrest leads to death in minutes if the person doesn’t get help right away. Ron Banister, M.D., is vice chairman of anesthesiology and associate professor at TTUHSC. Dr. Banister talks to us about sudden cardiac arrest and explains what happens when sudden cardiac arrest occurs and the impact on the body and organs. He shares survival rates and helps puts the number of deaths into perspective and how accessible, low cost defibrillators can help save lives.