A sudden collapse on the field can change everything. Cardiac arrest affects even young, fit athletes due to hidden heart conditions. Understanding these risks and taking preventive steps early is crucial to staying safe and protecting lives in sports.
Hearing about athletes lost to cardiac arrest is heartbreaking. Undetected health issues can strike without warning during intense activity. Regular screenings, awareness, and healthy habits help reduce risks and ensure safer participation in competitive sports.
This blog explores what cardiac arrest is, why young athletes may be at a higher risk, and the practical measures they can take to reduce the chances of a sudden cardiac emergency.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating, preventing blood circulation and oxygen from reaching the brain and other vital organs. This can cause a person to collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem that makes the heart unable to pump blood effectively.
If it is not treated immediately with CPR or a defibrillator, cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes. It is crucial to understand what cardiac arrest is so that athletes and their coaches recognize the warning signs and take steps to prevent it.
Here are the warning signs of cardiac arrest:
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Unusual Shortness of Breath
- Chest Pain or Discomfort
- Unexplained Fainting
Also read: Sudden cardiac arrest vs heart attack
Why do Young Athletes Suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among young athletes. Estimates suggest that approximately one in 50,000 to one in 100,000 athletes may experience sudden cardiac death each year. Tragically, some athletes have lost their lives during games, such as Zeke Upshaw, a basketball player for the Grand Rapids Drive, who collapsed on the court and died from sudden cardiac arrest in 2018.
Even though athletes often maintain healthy lifestyles, follow rigorous training schedules, and prioritize proper rest, they can still be vulnerable to life-threatening cardiac events due to underlying medical conditions or hidden risk factors.
Here are the common causes of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes:
1. Undiagnosed Heart Conditions
Athletes may have hidden heart problems, such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes. These conditions often go unnoticed without medical screening, but can cause the heart to fail unexpectedly during intense activity.
Without proper medical screening, these hidden problems can turn dangerous during intense physical activity. The added stress of training or competition can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias or even cause the heart to stop suddenly. This is why regular cardiac check-ups, including ECG or echocardiograms for athletes, are so important.
2. Genetic Disorders
Genetic disorders also cause sudden cardiac arrest emergencies in victims. Inherited heart conditions, like long QT syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can affect the heart’s structure or disrupt its normal rhythm. These conditions put young athletes to experiencing a cardiac event.
The risk becomes higher during intense physical activity, as the added stress can trigger abnormal heart rhythms or structural failures. Athletes with a family history of heart disease should consider regular genetic and cardiac screenings. Early detection helps reduce risks and ensures proper medical guidance.
3. Electrical Heart Problems
If an athlete has an electrical heart problem, such as an Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia), it can disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Arrhythmias may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
Even if an athlete looks completely healthy, an electrical problem in the heart can suddenly trigger cardiac arrest without any warning. This is why early check-ups and regular heart monitoring are so important to catch these problems before they become life-threatening.
4. Intense Physical Activity
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often push their bodies through intense training to build strength and endurance. While regular exercise is healthy, pushing beyond safe limits can put too much stress on the heart.
Whether it’s a professional sportsperson or someone lifting heavy weights in the gym, extreme physical strain can sometimes trigger serious heart problems, including cardiac arrest. It is crucial to know your body limits to prevent such emergencies.
5. Substance Use or Stimulants
If an athlete consumes performance-enhancing drugs, energy drinks, or certain stimulants places dangerous pressure on the cardiovascular system. While these substances might give a temporary advantage, they place harmful stress on the heart and blood vessels.
They can raise blood pressure, speed up the heart rate, and disturb its natural rhythm. These changes make the heart more vulnerable to dangerous conditions like arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Avoiding such substances and focusing on natural training methods is the safest way to protect heart health.
How to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of unexpected death in athletes. Preventing it requires a proactive strategy that combines pre-participation cardiovascular screening, ongoing medical monitoring, emergency preparedness, and symptom awareness. These measures help identify athletes who may be at higher risk and ensure timely intervention to protect their health and safety.
Here are the prevention steps to improve survival outcomes:
1. Pre-Participation Screening
Athletes should undergo a medical evaluation before engaging in sports. This includes family history, physical examination, and tests such as an ECG (Electrocardiogram) to detect hidden heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The purpose of these screenings is to identify hidden heart issues early, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during physical activity.
2. Ongoing Medical Check-Ups
Regular healthcare is essential for every athlete. They need to undergo medical check-ups, not just before starting a sport but also periodically during training and after competitions. Routine check-ups allow doctors to monitor changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and overall cardiovascular health. This ongoing surveillance helps identify cardiovascular risks before they become life-threatening.
3. Emergency Preparedness
Athletes, coaches, and sports staff should be trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and know how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED). They must know how to perform CPR on the victim before medical emergency help arrives. A clear emergency action plan ensures a fast response within the critical first few minutes of sudden collapse.
4. Awareness of Symptoms
Athletes and coaches should be educated to recognize warning signs of heart trouble, such as chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, or dizziness during exercise. Quick medical attention at the first sign of trouble can prevent fatal outcomes.
How Do CPR and AEDs Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes?
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any time during sports, often without warning. When the heart stops beating, blood flow to the brain and vital organs stops immediately. Performing CPR keeps blood circulating, while using an AED can deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat, greatly increasing the chances of survival.
Sports venues like schools, gyms, and stadiums must be prepared with AEDs and trained staff. Quick access to an AED, combined with immediate CPR, ensures a rapid response in those critical first minutes. This prompt action can save a young athlete’s life and prevent permanent damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
Your Heart Can’t Wait. Learn, Prepare, and Act!
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, whether you are a young athlete or an ordinary individual. While some risk factors may be hidden, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, recognizing early warning signs, and being cautious about what you consume can make a big difference. Regular medical check-ups, learning life-saving skills, and being prepared for emergencies are crucial steps that can help reduce risks and save lives.
If you want to learn essential life-saving skills like CPR, Heart Start CPR offers comprehensive training. CPR empowers you to respond confidently during cardiac emergencies. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to act effectively. We provide BLS, ACLS, and PALS classes, all led by highly qualified instructors committed to helping you master these critical skills.
FAQs
1. Can Cardiac Arrest Be Predicted in Athletes?
Cardiac arrest can’t always be predicted, but regular heart check-ups, ECGs, and knowing family history can help spot higher-risk athletes.
2. Are Certain Sports More Likely to Trigger Cardiac Arrest?
Yes. High-intensity sports like basketball, soccer, and long-distance running slightly increase the risk because they put sudden stress on the heart.
3. Can Young Athletes With Heart Conditions Still Compete Safely?
Yes. With a doctor’s guidance, regular monitoring, and safety limits, some athletes with heart conditions can still compete safely.
4. How Often Should athletes Undergo Heart Screenings?
Athletes should get heart screenings once a year or every two years, especially if they play competitive or high-intensity sports.
5. Can Lifestyle Choices Prevent Cardiac Arrest in Athletes?
Yes. Healthy eating and avoiding stimulants help protect heart health. Training within safe limits also lowers the risk of cardiac arrest.
