Iowa Heart Foundation

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Iowa Heart Foundation The Iowa Heart Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are committed to Building Healthy Hearts and Lives throughout the state of Iowa.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and heart attacks are often confused but are actually very different things. SCA is known as...
10/15/2026

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and heart attacks are often confused but are actually very different things. SCA is known as an electrical issue within the heart which is a heart rhythm issue. Someone experiencing SCA is not conscious or responsive, this requires CPR.

On the other hand, myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack is a plumbing issue. This means there's a blockage somewhere that is not allowing blood to flow how it should (or at all) to the heart. This is still something that requires medical attention, but you will not need to perform CPR or use an AED on this person.



Source: American College of Cardiology
https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/sudden-cardiac-arrest

https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/heart-attack

Did you know, women are 14% less likely to receive bystander CPR and defibrillation than men. One of the reasons for thi...
10/14/2026

Did you know, women are 14% less likely to receive bystander CPR and defibrillation than men. One of the reasons for this is the fear that performing CPR on a woman in cardiac arrest will result in inappropriate touching or further harm.

We want you to know that it is okay to place your hand on a woman's chest to do compressions if it means saving her life. That's why we bring our female CPR manikins wherever we can to get everyone more comfortable with the idea of performing hands-only CPR on a woman.



Source: Duke University School of Medicine
https://medschool.duke.edu/news/no-matter-where-they-live-women-are-less-likely-get-bystander-cpr

Did you know you should be checking your AED monthly?You should have someone dedicated to performing a monthly check on ...
10/13/2026

Did you know you should be checking your AED monthly?

You should have someone dedicated to performing a monthly check on your AED to make sure it is rescue ready. This means checking the pad and battery expiration dates, restocking any of the prep kit supplies, and inspecting the device for damage at a minimum.



Source: Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
https://www.osha.gov/aed

Since 2011, Iowa Heart Foundation has placed 287 AEDs across the state of Iowa to increase community access. These devic...
10/12/2026

Since 2011, Iowa Heart Foundation has placed 287 AEDs across the state of Iowa to increase community access. These devices benefit schools, libraries, and other non-profits that may not otherwise have the resources to purchase one for themselves. We are grateful for all the grants and donations that help fund this work.

Thank you to the Iowa Library Association for allowing us to exhibit at your annual conference again this year! As alway...
10/12/2026

Thank you to the Iowa Library Association for allowing us to exhibit at your annual conference again this year! As always it was a great event and we love being able to connect with libraries across the state.

“Heart disease” is an umbrella term for a wide range of conditions that can affect your heart’s function or structure. T...
10/09/2026

“Heart disease” is an umbrella term for a wide range of conditions that can affect your heart’s function or structure. There are several types of heart disease, but the most common is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Some heart diseases are largely preventable, like CAD. Others, like cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease (both of these are also umbrella terms as there are multiple types of each one) are not preventable. Symptoms depend on the type of heart disease. Sometimes, a person can live for many years without even knowing they have heart disease until something happens, like a heart attack. Many heart diseases can be prevented or managed through healthy lifestyle behaviors like eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding to***co.

Always talk to your provider if you have concerns.



Source: Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24129-heart-disease

To perform hands-only CPR on an adult:Call 911 - if you’re alone, place the phone on speaker.Locate the center of their ...
10/08/2026

To perform hands-only CPR on an adult:
Call 911 - if you’re alone, place the phone on speaker.
Locate the center of their chest with the heel of your hand.
Use both hands with elbows locked out and shoulders directly above wrists to push down 2 inches at a rate of 100-120bpm.
If you have an AED, follow the prompts. If not, continue compressions until help arrives, the scene becomes unsafe, or you are physically unable to continue.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/hands-only-cpr.html?srsltid=AfmBOor1PUClGK71lKDuouAe8C9DSLROzaI_-W8ZM-_vrz_juPeWCe7r

A cardiac emergency response plan is an incredibly valuable tool. These types of plans are similar to tornado, fire, or ...
10/07/2026

A cardiac emergency response plan is an incredibly valuable tool. These types of plans are similar to tornado, fire, or other emergencies an organization may prepare for. During a cardiac emergency, time is crucial so making sure everyone knows what to do and what roles need to be accounted for can make a big difference.

We are proud to work with Project ADAM: Iowa Heartland to support the great work they are doing in Iowa schools to create CERPs. To get connected with Project ADAM, email [email protected]

Source: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
https://www.sca-aware.org/campus/cardiac-emergency-response-plan-for-schools

Project ADAM
https://uihc.org/childrens/services/project-adam-iowa-heartland

This week we also have the privilege of recognizing National Physician Associate Week! Physician Associates (formerly kn...
10/06/2026

This week we also have the privilege of recognizing National Physician Associate Week!
Physician Associates (formerly known as Physician Assistants) are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers. Physician Assistants/Associates examine patients, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications as part of a healthcare team.



Sources: American Academy of Physician Associates
https://www.aapa.org/pas-go-beyond/pa-week/

Mayo Clinic
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/physician-assistant/

This week we recognize primary care providers across the U.S. for their dedication to patients and patient outcomes. Tha...
10/05/2026

This week we recognize primary care providers across the U.S. for their dedication to patients and patient outcomes.

Thank you for the hard work you do each and every day.



Source: American Medical Student Association
https://www.amsa.org/event/national-primary-care-week/

Address

5880 University Avenue, Ste 101
West Des Moines, IA
50266

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15156333994

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