Here are a few more things you may want to do so that you and your family are ready for an emergency:

• Take a CPR class

  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps to keep blood and oxygen flowing until treatment can be given. Most women who suffer a heart attack do not need CPR. However, if the person loses consciousness and is not breathing or does not have a pulse, CPR can buy valuable time until help arrives.

  Taking a CPR class can be a useful way to deal with worries about your heart risk and give your loved ones the confidence to act quickly if a heart attack happens. Visit the National Library of Medicine to learn more about CPR.

• Know how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

  AED devices are designed to be used by the average person and minimal training is needed. They are found in schools, shopping centers, sport stadiums, airports, public transportation, and many other public spaces. Some basic CPR courses include a section on using an AED, or you may need to take a separate class. To learn more about AEDs and how they are used, visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Visit the American Heart Association website to find CPR and AED training courses near you.