SACRAMENTO, Feb. 1, 2023 — For American Heart Month this February, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, calls on the public to “Be the Beat” needed to keep someone alive in an emergency and urges at least one person in every household to learn the two simple steps of Hands-Only CPR.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of the death in the United States, and every year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur. About 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrests outside of the hospital die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

Research shows the odds of men surviving a cardiac arrest is 23% higher than women. Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim. 

Hands-Only CPR is quick and simple to learn and can be performed by any family member or bystanders. It involves two simple steps, and anyone can learn it from a 60-second video available at heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

  • Step 1: If a teen or adult suddenly collapses, make sure the scene is safe, then call 9-1-1 and ask someone to get an AED, if available.
  • Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other and push hard and fast on the victim’s chest until the AED or emergency services arrive. Never stop compressions for more than 10 seconds.

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. All songs in the Association’s 'Don't Drop the Beat' playlist are between 100-120 beats per minute, the same rate at which rescuers should perform compressions when administering CPR. The beat of several songs, including “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira” or “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash, can “Be the Beat” to save a life.

Interest in CPR resources have gone up in the wake of NFL player Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. Since the Monday Night Football incident on January 2, the American Heart Association’s website has seen a significant uptick in online activity, with its Hands-Only CPR content pages garnering a 620% increase in pageviews. The Association says educational resources help move bystanders to become active responders, with or without formal training.

In addition to Be the Beat, the American Heart Association is urging everyone to wear red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 3, to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and help save lives. From landmarks to news anchors to neighborhoods and communities, this annual groundswell of support unites millions of people for a common goal: to end heart disease and stroke. In Sacramento and Stockton, the landmarks that will light up red in a dazzling display of support for National Wear Red Day include Sutter’s Fort, Sutter Medical Center, and Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, as well as Collins Electrical in Stockton.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, but the good news is that most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes. For heart and brain health resources, visit heart.org.

 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookInstagram and Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

 

For media inquiries:
Vibhuti Gupta vibhuti.gupta@heart.org