The Tragic Loss of Hulk Hogan Highlights the Life-Saving Role of AEDs for Home Use

Hulk Hogan, a name synonymous with wrestling greatness, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 after reportedly suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at home. Known worldwide for his strength, charisma, and impact on pop culture, Hogan’s death came as a shock to millions.

But beyond the headlines, his passing has sparked renewed public interest in what cardiac arrest really is, how it differs from a heart attack, and—most importantly—why having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at home can save lives.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is one of the most critical medical emergencies—and often misunderstood.

“Cardiac arrest is when the heart cannot fulfill its duties and pump blood. Essentially, the ventricles are quivering and not pumping out,”
— Dr. Christopher DeSimone, Mayo Clinic
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This electrical malfunction in the heart causes it to stop beating effectively, which means no oxygen is delivered to the brain or other organs. It happens suddenly, without warning, and without immediate intervention, it can be fatal within minutes.

What Causes Cardiac Arrest?

While cardiac arrest can result from a known heart condition, it can also strike unexpectedly. Common causes include:

Ventricular fibrillation, where chaotic electrical activity prevents the heart from pumping.
Commotio cordis, a trauma-induced arrhythmia often seen in contact sports.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle commonly found in athletes.
Congenital or genetic heart conditions.

“Genetic conditions can make your heart have an irregular heart rhythm,”
— Dr. Comilla Sasson, American Heart Association
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Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: Know the Difference

Although often confused, a heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same:

Heart Attack	Cardiac Arrest
Caused by blocked arteries	Caused by electrical malfunction
Heart keeps beating	Heart stops beating
Often shows gradual symptoms	Often occurs without warning
May lead to cardiac arrest	Is the final event

“A heart attack can be the cause of a cardiac arrest, but the two are distinct. Most heart attacks don’t lead to cardiac arrest.”
— Dr. Matthew Tomey, Mount Sinai Morningside
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What to Do If Someone Goes Into Cardiac Arrest

If someone collapses and becomes unresponsive:

Call 911
Start hands-only CPR
Use an AED if available
Continue until help arrives

“These events aren’t as rare as people think. Preparedness and early recognition are everything.”
— Dr. Comilla Sasson

CPR: The First Line of Defense

According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. every year, and nearly 90% of them are fatal. But immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
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Hands-only CPR—using only chest compressions—is now recommended for untrained bystanders.

“You don’t have to be CPR-certified. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest,”
— Dr. Lawrence Phillips, NYU Langone Health

The Role of AEDs—and Why Home Use Matters

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that analyzes a person’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to restore normal rhythm.

While AEDs are common in public spaces like airports and gyms, they’re rarely found in homes, even though over 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home.
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Why You Should Have an AED at Home

🕒 Immediate access saves lives: Survival chances drop 7–10% per minute without defibrillation
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🏠 Most arrests happen at home, not in public
👪 Peace of mind for families with elderly or heart-risk members
📟 Simple to use: AEDs provide voice prompts and will only shock if necessary

“You cannot hurt someone with an AED. They are built to assess first and only shock if it’s appropriate.”
— Dr. Comilla Sasson, AHA

“AEDs in public save 1,700 lives per year. That number could be higher if they were also in homes.”
— NIH News in Health
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Can AEDs Be Used on Children?

Yes. Cardiac arrest in children, though rarer, does happen—especially due to congenital heart defects, trauma, or drowning.

Most modern AEDs come with pediatric pads or a “child mode,” which adjusts the shock intensity. Guidelines recommend:

Use pediatric pads for children under 8 years or 55 pounds
If pediatric pads aren’t available, use adult pads—it’s better to act than wait

“Early defibrillation is just as important in pediatric cardiac arrest. Having an AED that works for all ages provides critical peace of mind,”
—American Red Cross

What Does an AED for Home Cost?

AEDs are no longer just for businesses or sports arenas. Some popular, FDA-cleared models for home use include:

Prices range from $1,400 to $2,200.

A Survivor’s Story: “My Dad Collapsed in the Kitchen…”

In Florida, 43-year-old Nikki D. shared how her father suffered cardiac arrest while having coffee at home. With the nearest ambulance 9 minutes away, it was her brother’s CPR and their home AED that saved him.

“We’d bought the AED two years ago after his stent surgery. I never thought we’d need it, but I’m so thankful we had it. That shock saved his life.”

Stories like these, though often quiet and local, are why organizations like Vital AED exist—to spread the word and normalize AED ownership in private households.

Why Don’t More Homes Have AEDs?

Despite how critical AEDs can be, few households own one. Here’s why:

Cost misconceptions: Many believe AEDs are prohibitively expensive. In reality, FDA-approved devices range from $800 to $1,500, with financing options and FSA/HSA eligibility.
Lack of awareness: Most people don't realize that over two-thirds of cardiac arrests happen at home.
Fear of using the device: AEDs are designed to be used by laypeople with no training. They guide users with calm, step-by-step voice instructions.
Pediatric uncertainty: Many don’t know that AEDs can be used on children with pediatric pads, available for most models.

Breaking these barriers through education and awareness is key to improving survival outcomes.

Vital AED’s Mission: Awareness, Not Fear

At Vital AED, we’re not just advocates for equipment—we’re advocates for preparedness without fear.

We believe:

Every family deserves to know how to act during a cardiac emergency
AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers
Education and access save lives

Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Leaves a Lesson

Hulk Hogan was known for his power and presence. But his passing reminds us that even the strongest among us are vulnerable. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere—even in your home.

Don’t wait. Be ready. Learn more about AEDs for home use at vitalaed.com