TUCSON, Ariz. – Sudden cardiac arrest emerges as the top cause of mortality among student athletes during exercise. Despite its rarity, when it occurs on the field or court, the impact is profound, as witnessed during Bronny James’ collapse at a USC basketball practice, grabbing headlines. Among athletes, male basketball players face a higher risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest than their counterparts in other sports. This life-threatening condition arises from irregular heart rhythms and can even strike individuals with no prior history of heart disease.
“First of all, it tends to occur more frequently in men than women, and it’s more common among athletes competing at higher levels,” explained Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “Basketball, in particular, has a higher incidence of sudden cardiac arrests, and the longer the playing time, the greater the likelihood. Nevertheless, let’s remember that this remains a rare occurrence.”
Football players are the second most vulnerable group. The memory of 24-year-old NFL player Damar Hamlin collapsing on the field and 12-year-old Pyper Midkiff experiencing sudden cardiac arrest during a Phoenix-area soccer game serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and preparedness.
It’s essential to clarify that sudden cardiac arrest should not be confused with a heart attack. Furthermore, it can strike young individuals who are not athletes and even occur when they are not engaged in physical activity. Consequently, paying attention to family history, obtaining CPR training, and advocating for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) near athletic facilities are vital steps. Startlingly, according to the CDC, about two thousand seemingly healthy Americans under the age of 25 succumb to sudden cardiac arrest annually. Since many cardiovascular problems go undiagnosed, warning signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting should be taken seriously.
However, despite the vigilance, there are instances when intervention comes too late. To increase the chances of saving lives, thorough sports physicals that catch underlying issues early on prove to be invaluable.
Recent Comments