Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of more than 350,000 people every year. Anyone can experience sudden cardiac arrest, including infants, children, teens, young adults and people in their 30s and 40s who have no sign of heart disease, as well as, older adults. 

Some people confuse cardiac arrest with a heart attack. A heart attack can be thought of as a "plumbing problem"- where the blood flow to the heart is blocked. Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem, where the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. 

Quick action is needed to save a life. Call 9-1-1, start CPR and, if an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, follow the instructions to use it. 

If you know CPR and want to help, download the Pulsepoint app on your phone. You'll be alerted if there's a CPR emergency nearby and you'll get a map of where to find the closest AED. 

If you don't know CPR- learn. You can help save a life.