Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young athletes, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.[1] To reach young athletes with important messages about HCM, the Association was at Lincoln Financial Field this past Thursday as former legendary players DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets and Michael Vick’s Norfolk State Spartans played the Battle of the Legends college football game. Fans in attendance were able to learn about heart health awareness and learn how to save a life with Hands-Only CPR.The Heart Association hosted an interactive pregame “Heart Health Zone” at Lincoln Financial Field focused on HCM awareness and Hands-Only CPR education, two critical areas in preventing sudden cardiac death and empowering communities to act in cardiac emergencies.HCM is defined by thickening and stiffening of the walls of the heart, which limits the heart’s ability to fill and pump blood properly. It is estimated that as many as 1 in every 500 young people in the United States have HCM, yet it often goes undiagnosed.The American Heart Association wants more people to be confident and capable when faced with a cardiac emergency, adding more people to the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement. The goal –double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. At the HBCU event, participants learned the correct rate and depth of CPR compressions in walk-up style CPR education opportunities.
