George W. Bush

“ About 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. However, if treated within a few minutes, cardiac arrest can be reversed through defibrillation, an electric shock that allows the heart to resume a normal beat. ”

“ Despite these advances, heart disease continues to be America's number one killer. During American Heart Month, we renew our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease by encouraging our citizens to learn more about its risk factors, its various warning signs, and life-saving emergency response techniques. ”

“ By developing good eating habits, being physically active, taking advantage of preventive screenings, and avoiding drugs, tobacco, and excessive use of alcohol, individuals and families can significantly reduce the onset and burden of heart disease. ”

“ The campaign also offers educational materials for both the general public and healthcare professionals to encourage communication among doctors, other healthcare providers, and their patients about the importance of recognizing heart attack signs and getting treatment quickly.
Far too many Americans are also unaware of the dangers of cardiac arrest, in which the heart suddenly loses its ability to function. Most cases of cardiac arrest that result in sudden death occur when the diseased heart's electrical impulses become rapid and then chaotic. ”

“ Heart attacks result when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped. Because many heart attack victims do not recognize the warning signs until it is too late, only one in five is able to reach a hospital quickly enough to benefit fully from treatments. ”