Get CPR training, know signs of heart attack for American Heart Month

Each year in February, doctors encourage people to take charge of their cardiovascular health during American Heart Month.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

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According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 436,000 people die from cardiac arrest each year.

Dr. Christopher Kelly, a cardiologist at UNC Health and board president of the American Heart Association, says CPR is easy to learn and said it can greatly increase odds of survival.

“CPR can be the difference between someone you love living or dying,” he stated.

If someone near you collapses or you find someone unresponsive, Kelly said to check if they have a pulse.

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“Feel their neck to see if you can feel any pulsations. If you’re not sure or you don’t feel a pulse, start CPR,” Kelly said.

He further explained, “Press on their chest with two hands in the center of their chest, about 100 times per minute – we say it’s to the beat of staying alive. While you’re doing that have somebody call 911.”

Kelly said most people know CPR exists but many people are not trained how to do it properly.

“The key is to press hard enough, so you should be pushing your hands at least two inches into the person’s chest. Don’t worry about hurting them, you’re keeping them alive. If you don’t push hard enough, you’re not compressing the heart and you’re not really doing CPR,” the cardiologist said.