In people of all ages, sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt
loss of the heart's ability to pump blood. In most cases,
it is caused by a sudden arrhythmia, such as ventricular
fibrillation, in which the heart's electrical impulses create
a dangerous and chaotic heart rhythm. When this happens,
the victim collapses and quickly loses consciousness as blood
flow to the brain is stopped. Unless a normal heart rhythm
is restored within minutes, the victim will die or will suffer
brain damage.
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A wide spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities may cause
sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes. A minor defect may
become deadly if the heart is challenged and the electrical
order of the heart is disrupted. Heart defects that may lead
to cardiac arrest can be genetic or acquired due to a serious
virus. Cardiomyopathy is the hidden heart defect that most
commonly leads to sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.
Long QT Syndrome, a disruption of the heart’s electrical
rhythm is another cause. Any deformed heart valve, artery,
or vessel also can cause sudden cardiac arrest, as can heat
stroke, medications and illegal drugs.
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Fainting spells, chest pain, or shortness of breath upon
exertion are common symptoms which signal the need for further
evaluation. However, since many sudden cardiac arrests occur
without prior warning, the absence of these symptoms does
not mean that a problem does not exist.
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Sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes is predominantly
a problem among high school athletes, then junior high and
college athletes. Those who participate in high intensity
cardiovascular sports seem to be most affected. Youth basketball
and football players with undetected heart conditions experience
sudden cardiac arrest more frequently than other sports,
however those who participate in track, soccer, baseball,
swimming, volleyball, ice hockey, boxing, crew, ice-skating,
tennis, wrestling and other vigorous sports are also at risk.
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Some conditions can be detected through careful physical
exam, EKG, and a thorough medical history. When cardiovascular
health concerns are identified or suspected through initial
testing, further studies can confirm the presence of serious
conditions, so that treatment or other intervention can take
place.
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As New Jersey’s largest health care system, we have
the resources and expertise to take a leadership role in
the development of innovative programs for preventive health.
In the area of youth sports, the Saint Barnabas Health Care
System developed several programs, including Rediscovering
Youth Sportsmanship, which gained national and international
attention for its proactive education of parents in modeling
sportsmanlike behavior for young players. The Saint Barnabas
Health Care System also created the Parenting an Athlete
program, which earned the support of the President’s
Council on Sports and Physical Fitness for its multifaceted
approach to raising healthy children.
As New Jersey’s largest provider of comprehensive
health care services, we provide world-class programs in
many specialties, including cardiac care, pediatrics, sports
medicine, and emergency services. We are at the forefront
of medicine, and take pride in our reputation for progressive,
forward-thinking community health initiatives that make a
difference.
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