Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Death in Athletes
Athletes are often seen as the epitome of health, strength, and peak performance. However, even the fittest individuals are not immune to a silent and deadly threat — sudden cardiac death in athletes . Every year, seemingly healthy young athletes collapse and lose their lives during sports, leaving families and communities devastated. Understanding the causes, early signs, and preventive measures of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is crucial to saving lives. What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart abruptly stops pumping blood effectively due to an electrical disturbance. As a result, blood flow to the brain and other vital organs halts, causing the person to lose consciousness and, if not treated within minutes, leading to death. Unlike a heart attack — which is caused by blocked arteries — SCA is primarily an electrical malfunction. This difference is critical because many athletes who experience sudden death in athletes ...