It was June 28th when the news broke. “Billy Mays - apparently he died suddenly because of an arrhythmia, heart attack, or fractured plaque,” says cardiologist Dr. John Macaluso with Lee Memorial Health System.

Arrhythimia is a disorder where the heart fails to beat in a normal, recognized rhythm. This irregular heartbeat can trigger sudden cardiac arrest. “When we talk about sudden death in the United States nowadays, it’s generally individuals who have rhythm abnormalities,” says Dr. Macaluso.

Mays was only 50 when he died. Dr. Macaluso says heart disease, especially sudden cardiac arrest, can strike anyone at anytime. “It’s final, unfortunately. The data for the United States is not very positive.”

9-1-1 should be called immediately if you start seeing someone go into cardiac arrest. “They’re not breathing. They look very blue. If they’re not breathing and they’re panting and they’re color is poor, either their blood pressure is extreme or they’re having an arrhythmia abnormality,” explains Dr. Macaluso. If an AED is available, use it. If not, begin administering CPR.

A family history of heart disease, diabetes, smoking, and obesity can raise your risk factor. Working with your doctor and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your chances of a cardiac event.