Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States, but the types of heart-related conditions claiming lives are changing. According to the latest analysis from the American Heart Association, deaths from heart attacks have dropped significantly over the past two decades—thanks to improved prevention, faster emergency care, and advances in treatment. At the same time, however, deaths from other heart conditions have risen. More people are now dying from heart failure, high blood pressure-related heart disease, and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), as more Americans live longer with chronic cardiovascular conditions.
This shift reflects a changing landscape in heart health. While fewer people are dying from heart attacks, more are living longer with serious chronic heart conditions. These ongoing issues like heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, may increase the risk of complications, including sudden cardiac arrest.
As more people live with ongoing heart problems, the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a concern. SCA often stems from electrical disruptions in the heart and is strongly associated with conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias. These trends point to the continued need for public awareness, prevention strategies, and lifesaving preparedness through CPR and AED access.
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SOURCE: American Heart Association