Kyle Astrein Driver
In 2019, Kyle Astrein Driver’s life was saved by 47 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after she experienced a sudden cardiac arrest in her sleep. She has since become a vocal advocate for the importance of learning CPR.
“There are about 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests nationally each year and the survival rate is only about 10 percent. As in my case, survival rates improve if CPR is done immediately,” she explained.
At the time of her cardiac arrest, the Birmingham native and University of Michigan graduate was 31 years old and living in San Francisco with her then-fiancé, Ian. They were both avid runners and living a healthy lifestyle – in fact, Astrein Driver said she was training for her second 50k ultramarathon at the time. Based on her prime physical condition and young age, the cardiac event was very unexpected.
Her fiancé was alerted to a problem when “he was woken up by strange sounds” and quickly realized she wasn’t breathing. He called 911 and performed CPR for 12 minutes until paramedics arrived. They continued CPR for another 35 minutes and administered 10 or 11 electric shocks to get her stable enough to transport to a hospital.
“I still have no memory of the incident, but it was traumatizing and emotional for Ian,” she described. “Ian saved my life. If he didn’t act so quickly and have the proper CPR training, I wouldn’t be here.”
She joked, “I’m also really glad he’s a light sleeper.”
At the hospital, she was put in a medically induced coma and was given “chiller therapy” for 48 hours. She received a defibrillator to help avoid another cardiac arrest. Their wedding had to be postponed until she had time to recover.
Astrein Driver said she “left the hospital feeling optimistic” until she had a subsequent cardiac event. She now has an implanted pacemaker defibrillator device that provides comprehensive heart rhythm management.
She “initially had struggles and complications” including with brain functioning but is now “back to normal.”
“There were zero warning signs of this cardiac event. In fact, two days before, I was in Michigan for my bridal shower,” she shared. “I’ve since learned to become my own best advocate and am grateful for the second chance at life.”
Since this life-altering event, her life has stabilized. The couple married and had two children by surrogacy: “Because there had been no definitive diagnosis, it was determined by my doctor that I was beyond high risk so in order to have children we decided to use surrogates to have our sons.”
They moved back to Michigan a few years ago to be closer to family, including her parents, Jody and Gary Astrein. The young family lives in Beverly Hills.
Since moving back to the area, Astrein Driver is focused on “creating a new normal.” She is working full time for Project Management Institute and continues to lead an active life with yoga, weights, walking their dog, chasing two young children, and getting involved with the American Heart Association (AHA). She shares her story to raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of learning CPR.
Last year she was a featured survivor at the organization’s Go Red for Women event. This year she was nominated for AHA’s Leader of Impact campaign – a seven-week fundraising competition that launched in mid-September.
“I’m passionate about CPR – it is the reason I’m here. I hope someone reads my story and is encouraged to learn CPR or refresh their skills.”
She added, “I’m trying to take every day as it comes. It is notable to come up for air and enjoy family and everyday moments. CPR allowed me to have a new life with Ian and my boys. I want the same second chance for others.”
Story: Tracy Donohue
Photo: Laurie Tennent
