My maternal grandmother passed away at the age of 59 due to a cardiac event. By this age in her life, she had already suffered 5 other cardiac events. The heart attack that killed her is called the 'widowmaker'; this is a type of heart attack in which there is a complete blockage in the largest artery of the heart(LAD artery). Looking at the social determinants of health that made up her short life, it is quite obvious in hindsight what factors led to multiple cardiac events and, ultimately, her death. I now work in public non-profit health care, ensuring that proper care and access to resources are being delivered to underserved people in my community. No one should have their life cut so short by something that is now preventable. Education, advocacy, and awareness of cardiac arrest and stroke is more important than most people think, especially in rural communities. Being a good listener, asking the right questions, and connecting individuals to necessary resources is my personal mission and this work is to which I dedicate my life. Filling the gaps in hygiene, medically-tailored nutrition, supplies, transportation, and any other obstacles that arise in day-to-day life is the most important thing any organization or person could do for another.

 

9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. But we can change this.