When the Rhythm Stops: Living Every Day With the Threat of Sudden Death

Last year 100,000 Americans were implanted with a device that could save their lives with a single electrical shock. These people are among the millions who lived in constant fear of death. Statistics show that the number one killer in the United States is sudden cardiac death (SCD)—an alarming condition that takes more lives than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined. A staggering 95% of people will not survive their first sudden cardiac arrest.

(PRWEB) February 19, 2006 -- Last year 100,000 Americans were implanted with a device that could save their lives with a single electrical shock. These people are among the millions who lived in constant fear of death. Statistics show that the number one killer in the United States is sudden cardiac death (SCD)—an alarming condition that takes more lives than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined. A staggering 95% of people will not survive their first sudden cardiac arrest.

Matthew Noble, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor, experienced five episodes of SCD before he was legally an adult. Growing up with the disease he spent his formative years wondering which heartbeat would be his last. Despite the tremendous odds, he has learned to live with the threat of sudden death and has dedicated his life to educating and supporting other individuals who face similar conditions.

Through his autobiography, One Beat at a Time, Noble spreads awareness of the disease by sharing his remarkable journey, and educates the public on treatments options such as the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). “By educating the public on this treatment, we can bring the startling statistics down and help those living with heart disease eradicate the fear of sudden death from their lives.

While the prescription of ICDs is on the rise, a surprising number of people have little or no idea of what the device does or how it works. Each year up to 400,000 people die from SCD, even though ICD’s are readily available and have been proven to prevent SCD. The device is able to detect lethal heart rhythms and deliver a sudden, life-saving electrical shock to the heart. Although this device prevents thousands of deaths each year, many of the patients live in fear of an episode, dreading the unexpected shock that restores their heart rhythm, even though it saves their life.

In his book, Noble describes his struggle to accept the device. “We all have struggles in this life, mine just happens to walk the line between life and death. The ICD is a remarkable device that only causes less than a tenth of a second of discomfort every few years in the form of a shock. Although at times it can be difficult to deal with, I’m incredibly thankful for it.”

Noble takes his readers on a fantastic journey from start to finish. He grows from a young boy who questions his mother about heaven’s existence to an adult whose passion for saving lives makes him am inspiration for millions living with fear. One Beat at a Time challenges traditional views of heart disease and provides a heart-warming story of a young man who desperately wants nothing more than a steady rhythm in his life.

For a review copy of the book or to set up an interview with Matthew Noble for a story, please contact Sarah Van Blaricum at 727-443-7115, ext. 207.

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