The American Heart Association, during Pride Month, is urging LGBTQ+ communities and allies to learn Hands-Only CPR, emphasizing that immediate action can double or triple survival chances from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, which affects over 350,000 people annually in the U.S. According to the Association, research shows that experiences related to stigma, discrimination and chronic stress can influence long-term cardiovascular health, as noted in a scientific statement on cardiovascular health for transgender and gender diverse people. The Association's scientific statement also calls for improved training, systems and culturally responsive care to better support the LGBTQ+ community across their lifespan.
The Pride With Heart initiative highlights the importance of both community empowerment and access to care. 'More than 20 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. face higher risks to their heart health, influenced by both clinical and social drivers of health,' said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. 'By learning Hands-Only CPR and encouraging others to do the same, communities can help close gaps in emergency response and ensure more people are prepared to act when it matters most.'
Hands-Only CPR is easy to learn and remember, involving two simple steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute until help arrives. The Association provides resources to learn Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/cpr and find a CPR course near you at cpr.heart.org. Year-round, the Association stands with the LGBTQ+ community by funding innovative research, advocating for public health and sharing lifesaving resources like CPR education and training. More information is available at the Pride With Heart website.
According to the American Heart Association, each year more than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and 9 out of 10 people don't survive, often because help doesn't arrive fast enough. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival, yet many bystanders hesitate to act or don't know what to do. By learning Hands-Only CPR, individuals can be ready to act when every second counts, potentially saving the life of someone they love.
