~23,000 children under 18 are lost to SCA each
year
1 in 300 youth at risk for SCA
75%
of fatalities
during sports are cardiovascular related
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops beating properly. Blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops within seconds, causing the person to collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally.
SCA can affect people of all ages, even children and teens who appear healthy. Immediate CPR and defibrillation with an AED are critical to survival.
What are some of the causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
- Congenital (you are born with) disease
- Hereditary (runs in family) disease
- Acquired disease (Kawasaki and others)
- Viral heart infection (myocarditis)
- COVID-19 diagnosis or asymptomatic infection
- Heart conditions that result from abnormal heart structure or functions
- An abnormality in the electrical system of the heart
- An impact to the chest directly over the heart, also known as commotio cordis
- Drugs (recreational or prescribed) or stimulants that affect the electrical system of the heart, such as performance enhancing or high-caffeine energy drinks or supplements and diet pills
How is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Different from a Heart Attack?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is not a heart attack.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a clot or narrowed artery. The heart is still beating, but the muscle is being damaged — it’s a circulation problem.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating effectively. Blood stops pumping to the brain and body, and the person collapses within seconds — it’s an electrical problem.
What are the Warning Signs & Risk Factors of a Heart Condition?
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Why do heart conditions that put youth at risk go undetected?
- Standard history and physical evaluation misses up to 90% of youth at risk
- Often youth don’t report or recognize symptoms of a potential heart condition
- Parents/Guardians assume youth are okay and just “check the box” on medical forms without asking their child about symptoms
- Youth experiencing symptoms regularly don’t recognize these as potentially life-threatening—it’s normal to them
What are the risks of practicing or playing after experiencing any warning sign or symptom?
By continuing to practice or play without seeking medical attention you risk suffering sudden cardiac arrest, which without immediate action by people nearby could result in death or brain damage. Survival rates are under 10%.
What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (also known as an EKG or ECG) is a quick, painless and noninvasive test that measures and records a moment in time of the heart’s electrical activity through small electrode patches attached to the skin of your chest, arms and legs by a technician.
Adding an EKG to the pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE) will help identify about 80% of heart conditions that can lead to SCA and prevent disabilities and sudden death in youth.
Where do I schedule my child’s EKG?
- With your child’s primary care provider, or
- The approved nonprofit partner Who We Play For
Be sure to schedule early to avoid delays.
What if student-athlete is diagnosed with a heart condition that puts him/her at risk for SCA?
- Your medical provider will inform you of the recommended treatment plan, which could include taking medication, making lifestyle modifications to reduce risk (which sometimes means refraining from competitive sports), surgery to correct the issue, or implantable devices that monitor or treat your heart rhythm.
- You will need clearance in writing from a licensed medical practitioner.
- It’s important to share the student-athlete’s treatment plan with school administration, athletic trainers, coaches or any other leaders. As youth caregivers, they must be aware so they can help monitor your child’s condition.
Recognize & Respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest
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