Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest 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 pre-participation screening may have underlying heart abnormalities that can be life threatening.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

• Occurs suddenly and often without warning.
• An electrical malfunction (short‐circuit) causes the bottom chambers of the heart (ventricles) to
• beat dangerously fast (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) and disrupts the pumping ability of the heart.
• The heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs of the body.
• The person loses consciousness (passes out) and has no pulse.
• Death occurs within minutes if not treated immediately.

What are the symptoms/warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

• Fainting/blackouts (especially during exercise)
• Dizziness
• Unusual fatigue/weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea/vomiting
• Palpitations (heart is beating unusually fast or skipping beats)
• Family history of sudden cardiac arrest at age < 50

ANY of these symptoms/warning signs that occur while exercising may necessitate further evaluation from your physician before returning to practice or a game. ** Note that a student-athlete who exhibits unexplained fainting may be SCA because it is the number one warning sign of a potential heart condition. **

There is potential for effective secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death by having automated external defibrillators (AEDs) easily accessible and trained staff available. The presence of trained individuals and access to AEDs at sporting venues provides a potential means of early defibrillation, not only for athletes but also for spectators, coaches, officials, event staff and other attendees in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. All CHS coaches are required to have CPR & AED training. All CHS sporting venues have access to an AED.

Further information can be found at the following sites:

NATA Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Korey Stringer Institute

NFHS Learning Center

Parent Heart Watch