However, there’s a two-step technique called Hands-Only CPR that we should all learn. The technique involves calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives.

Image: Hands-Only CPR

“For years the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest has been abysmal,” said Clyde Yancy, M.D., American Heart Association president. “Bystanders hold the key to increasing survival. We hope this campaign will break through the barriers people have when they see someone in cardiac arrest – so that anyone who hears this message can help save a life.”

To learn more about the technique, visit handsonlyCPR.org. This site, which was launched by the Ad Council and American Heart Association, offers valuable information and resources on the technique including an instructional video. The website also has a fun online tool called Hands Symphony where users can choose from a host of sounds created by differnt filmed hands to create their own track. You can send your track to friends and encourage them to create their own too.

Today, we are giving you an opportunity to win a prize pack that includes:

• 16GB iPod nano
• $50 iTunes gift card
• AHA coffee travel mug
• AHA journal
• AHA first aid kit

To enter the giveaway, try out the Hands Symphony tool and then leave a comment with the link to the song that you create.

The contest runs through Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 11:59pm. We will select one random winner from all the comments to receive the prize pack.

This giveaway is sponsored by the Ad Council and American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR. We (b5media or myself) are receiving no compensation (monetary or otherwise) for posting this giveaway opportunity.

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Giveaway: Hands-Only CPR

Included are recipes for summer pork roast with vegetables, Cajun Creole smothered steaks, garlicky Greek yogurt dip, and chicken rotini salad with rosemary.

The offer is available only for shipment to US addresses.

(photo courtesy of the American Heart Association)

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Free Diabetic Heart Healthy Cookbook

You’re the Cure advocates call on Congress to step up the fight against heart disease and stroke. Nearly 600 advocates, including American Heart Association President Daniel W. Jones, M.D., President-Elect Tim Gardner, M.D. and other officers wearing red will meet their representatives in Congress on Capitol Hill on April 28-29 to boost funding for heart and stroke research and prevention programs.

If you want to join American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network please do so. You do not have to be a doctor or nurse to help save a life.

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2008 Lobby day for You’re the Cure- Save a life!

You or a loved one can become more involved in your care by reviewing treatment options, possible side effects, success rates and questions to ask your healthcare provider. You also have access to medical journal articles and research studies written in an easy-to-understand format.

It is a personal ‘game plan’ and easy to understand info that pertains to your unique situation and treatment plan. It only takes about 20 minutes to really get going. Great tool- if anyone uses it or gives it a try please let me know.

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Personalized heart plan from the AHA

Is resistant high blood pressure resistant to exercise and diet regimens and can it be genetic?

Resistant hypertension is high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment. It is defined as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of a three drug regimen usually including a diuretic. It can not be diagnosed in full until the treatment has failed.

The most common cause of resistant hypertension, and the most difficult to treat is non- compliance of the patient. The term ‘patient noncompliance’ refers to situations where the patient did not adhere to the treatment for whatever reason, and some are out of the control of the patient.

It is important to figure out the underlying reason behind the resistant hypertension. Is it overactive adrenal glands, secondary hypertension? Is it kidney insufficiency or fluid build up? The physician needs to explore all options and situations before finding a regimen hat would be acceptable for the patient.

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Q&A about resistant hypertension

It is important to note that there is a huge difference between uncontrolled and resistant blood pressure. Uncontrolled is when the treatment is not effective and there needs to be more lifestyle changes or more adequate adjustments.

There are many underused types of medications and treatments that hypertension specialists would have a leg up on.

Diuretics are often underused in people with resistant hypertension, and some patients may benefit from adding mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) to their treatment regimens, according to the statement. MRAs treat a condition called primary aldosteronism, which is found in about 20 percent of patients with resistant hypertension.

The bottom line is that you as well as your doctor need to keep up on your blood pressure changes, treatment and keep a log of your lifestyle changes. You need to know if your blood pressure is truly controlled or if it is resistant and if so… seek a hypertension specialist. Persons with resistant high blood pressure have more complications and health issues and why not nip it in the bud, right?

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Guidelines noted for resistant high blood pressure- from the American Heart Association