Cardiac arrest can affect people of all ages and is caused by arrhythmias, coronary diseases, or structural heart problems. It is crucial to highlight that immediate medical intervention is key, as the lack of treatment within minutes can be fatal.
"It is estimated that 95% of those who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest die due to the absence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers or defibrillators at the critical moment," mentions cardiologist Manlio Fabio Márquez Murillo, a member of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology.
In light of this concerning reality, the Alliance Against Sudden Cardiac Death, in collaboration with health institutions such as the Inter-American Society of Cardiology (SIAC) and the Mexican Society of Cardiology, has launched awareness and prevention campaigns aimed at reducing these events in Mexico.
One of the initiatives is the program "Save a Life Just with Hands," which aims to train instructors in Mexico City and other states to offer free hands-only CPR courses. The initiative of Cardioprotected Races, organized by the Mexican Society of Cardiology, also promotes cardiovascular health among the athletic population.
Additionally, the Timely Referral Program to the Electrophysiologist has been implemented, facilitating the referral of at-risk patients to specialized cardiologists for timely evaluation. The "Chain of Survival" campaign focuses on quick responses to cardiac emergencies, involving a protocol that includes early recognition, calling medical services, CPR, defibrillation, and hospital care.
With between 100,000 and 250,000 cases of sudden cardiac death registered annually in Mexico, it is essential to educate the population on first aid to act immediately in critical situations. Programs like "Saving Heartbeats," which focuses on raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases, and "Cardioprotected Schools," implemented in educational institutions, aim to prevent sudden death by providing training in CPR and the use of automatic defibrillators.
The organizations involved in these efforts hope to significantly reduce deaths from cardiac arrest in Mexico and increase awareness about the importance of immediate attention in cases of cardiac emergencies.
