Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), while rare, is the leading cause of death in young athletes while training or participating in sport competition. Even athletes who appear healthy and have a normal preparticipation screening may have underlying heart abnormalities that can be life-threatening. A family history of SCA at younger than age 50 or cardiomyopathy (heart muscle problem) places an athlete at greater risk. Athletes should inform the healthcare provider performing their physical examination about their family’s heart history.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs.
Cardiac arrest usually causes death if it is not treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) within minutes.
Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack occurs if blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. During a heart attack, the heart usually does not suddenly stop beating. In cardiac arrest the heart stops beating.
Stop activity/exercise immediately if you have any of the warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
What warning signs during exercise should athletes/coaches/parents watch out for?
- Fainting/blackouts (especially during exercise)
- Dizziness
- Unusual fatigue/weakness
- Chest pain/tightness with exertion o Shortness of breath
- Nausea/vomiting
- Palpitations (heart is beating unusually fast or skipping beats)
Speak up and tell a coach and parent/guardian if you notice problems when exercising
If an athlete has any warning signs of SCA while exercising, they should seek medical attention and evaluation from a healthcare provider before returning to a game or practice.
The risk associated with continuing to participate in a youth activity after experiencing warning signs is that the athlete may experience SCA, which usually causes death if not treated with CPR and an AED within minutes.
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