What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is NOT a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops the flow of blood to the heart. SCA is a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system, causing the victim to collapse. The malfunction is caused by a congenital or genetic defect in the heart’s structure. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens. When SCA happens, the person collapses and does not respond or breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if having a seizure, but their heart has stopped.
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Potential Indicators That SCA May Occur |
Factors That Increase the Risk of SCA |
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What causes and how common is sudden cardiac arrest in the United States?
SCA occurs because of a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system or structure. The malfunction is caused by an abnormality the person is born with, and may have inherited, or a condition that develops as young hearts grow. A virus in the heart or a hard blow to the chest can also cause a malfunction that can lead to SCA. As the leading cause of death in the U.S., there are more than 300,000 cardiac arrests outside hospitals each year, with nine out of 10 resulting in death. Thousands of sudden cardiac arrests occur among youth, as it is the #2 cause of death under 25 and the #1 killer of student athletes during exercise.
Who is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?
SCA is more likely to occur during exercise or physical activity, so student-athletes are at greater risk. While a heart condition may have no warning signs, fainting is often mistakenly attributed to stress, heat, or lack of food or water. Studies show that many young people do have symptoms but neglect to tell an adult because symptoms can be misinterpreted as typical in active student athletes; This may be because they are embarrassed, they do not want to jeopardize their playing time, and they mistakenly think they are out of shape and need to train harder, or they simply ignore the symptoms, assuming they will “just go away.” Additionally, Adults assume students are OK and just “check the box” on health forms without asking them and/or do not know or report some health history factors that increase the risk of SCA.
What should you do if your student-athlete is experiencing any of these symptoms?
We need to let student-athletes know that if they experience any SCA-related symptoms it is crucial to alert an adult and get follow-up care as soon as possible with a primary care physician. If the athlete has any of the SCA risk factors, these should also be discussed with a doctor to determine if further testing is needed.
Wait for your doctor’s feedback before returning to play, and alert your coach, athletic trainer, and school nurse about any diagnosed conditions.
What if my student has warning signs or is diagnosed with a heart condition that puts them at risk?
Well-child exams and sports physicals do not check for conditions that can put student athletes at risk. State law requires student athletes who faint or exhibit other cardio-related symptoms to be re-cleared to play by a licensed medical practitioner who is experienced in evaluating cardiovascular (heart) conditions. There are many precautionary steps that can be taken to prevent the onset of SCA including activity modifications, medication, surgical treatments, or implanting a pacemaker and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Your practitioner should discuss the treatment options with you and any recommended activity modifications while undergoing treatment. In many cases, the abnormality can be corrected, and students can return to normal activity
What is CIF doing to help protect student-athletes?
CIF amended its bylaws to include language that adds SCA training to coach certification, practice, and game protocol that empowers coaches to remove from play a student-athlete who exhibits fainting—the number one warning sign of a potential heart condition. A student-athlete who has been removed from play after displaying signs or symptoms associated with SCA may not return to play until he or she is evaluated and cleared by a licensed health care provider. Parents, guardians and caregivers are urged to dialogue with student-athletes about their heart health and everyone associated with high school sports should be familiar with the cardiac chain of survival so they are prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency.
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is the only way to save a sudden cardiac arrest victim. An AED is a portable, user-friendly device that automatically diagnoses potentially life-threatening heart rhythms and delivers an electric shock to restore normal rhythm. Anyone can operate an AED, regardless of training. Simple audio direction instructs the rescuer when to press a button to deliver the shock, while other AEDs provide an automatic shock if a fatal heart rhythm is detected. A rescuer cannot accidently hurt a victim with an AED—quick action can only help. AEDs are designed to only shock victims whose hearts need to be restored to a healthy rhythm. Check with your school for locations of on-campus AEDs.
For more information about Sudden Cardiac Arrest visit:
Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation: http: www.epsavealife.org
CardiacWise (20-minute training video): http.www.sportsafetyinternational.org
National Federations of State High School Associations: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/sudden-cardiac-arrest