As with many things in our lives, some things we control, some we don't! As we go through our daily lives, it is important to take time to for ourselves. I know, there are always demands on our time and attention. I think what has helped me to reduce the stress in my live is to be able to prioritize. It isn't always easy to do but it has allowed me to not only reduce my stress but become more productive. The realization that sudden cardiac arrest can strike nearly anyone has spurred on the desire to reduce my risks that I can control so that I can have a better chance of being around for a long time! Some risk factors that I can control include:

• Stress
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking
• Weight
• High Fat Diet
• Exercise
• Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse

There are of course those risk factors that are beyond our control and they include:

• Diabetes
• Aging
• Congenital Heart Disorders
• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Previous Heart Attack
• Coronary Artery Disease
  
• Heart Disease
  
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Family History

The American Red Cross has developed a Cardiac Chain of Survival which consists of a sequence of steps that are activated in response to an emergency. They include early recognition of the situation, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced life support by trained medical professionals. Similar in action to the traditional Automated External Defibrillator is the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). The implantation of the ICD is often prescribed for patients who have experienced at least one cardiac episode that is not effectively controlled. The ICD delivers electrical therapy to restore normal rate and rhythm to the heart.

While we can't do everything, do what you can to help reduce your risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.