In a remarkable tale of survival, a Minnesota woman is sharing her experience of going 25 minutes without a pulse to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Cheryl Jordan Winston, 48 at the time, collapsed in her bedroom after experiencing SCA in 2020. With the quick thinking and action of her husband, who performed CPR until paramedics arrived, Winston's life was saved when she was shocked with an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Winston was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks. Astonishingly, she emerged without any long-term side effects and was able to return to her normal life. Speaking to Fox News Digital in an interview, Winston shared that she had no prior symptoms of fatigue or chest pain, making her sudden cardiac arrest even more unexpected. There was also no family history or other indicators that would have predicted her condition.

As part of a worldwide clinical study, Winston received the Medtronic Aurora EV-ICD, an implanted cardioverter defibrillator. This device monitors her heart rhythm and provides therapy to return it to normal if any abnormalities are detected. Winston expressed her appreciation for the added protection the ICD provides since the cause of her cardiac arrest remains unknown.

Within a mere two weeks, Winston was able to resume her work and normal activities, crediting her dedication to regular exercise and a healthy diet. Her remarkable recovery serves as a testament to the importance of proper cardiac care and awareness regarding sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Alan Cheng, the chief medical officer of Medtronic's cardiac rhythm management division, highlighted the grave danger of cardiac arrest if not treated immediately. He explained that implanting an ICD, such as the Medtronic Aurora EV-ICD, is crucial in preventing life-threatening episodes. These devices constantly monitor the heart's rhythms and deliver shocks or pacing pulses to restore normal rhythm, thereby saving lives.

Dr. Mustali Dohadwala, the medical director and practitioner at Heartsafe Boston, confirmed that sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning signs or symptoms. It accounts for approximately 15% of total fatalities, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.

The story of Cheryl Jordan Winston serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and the life-saving potential of advancements in cardiac technology. As the medical community continues to develop improved strategies and devices, raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest becomes paramount in saving lives.