The following are frequently asked questions (FAQ) about sudden cardiac arrest in student athletes and their family members.
How many student athletes have lost their lives to sudden cardiac arrest?
Approximately how many student athletes could have a serious cardiac condition?
What causes sudden cardiac arrest? Why does it affect young athletes more than others?
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)?
Who is affected by HCM?
How many people are affected by HCM?
What are some of the symptoms associated with HCM?
How is HCM treated?
What is an ECG?
What is an Echocardiography/Cardiac Ultrasound Exam?
How many student athletes have lost their lives to sudden cardiac arrest?
While there are currently no official statistics compiled on sudden cardiac arrests, some sources indicate that approximately 300 students in the U.S. lose their lives each year to sudden cardiac arrest. However, this figure may be extremely low, as some experts estimate the number to be much higher considering the fact that ECG screening for young athletes detects conditions that lead to 60% of sudden cardiac arrest in young competitive athletes. Moreover, the test increases the likelihood of detecting HCM by 77%.1
Approximately how many student athletes could have a serious cardiac condition?
It is not known how many student athletes are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. However, it is estimated that as many as 1.5 million Americans, or one in 500 people are affected by HCM- the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in people under age 30.2
What causes sudden cardiac arrest? Why does it affect young athletes more than others?
SCA may develop as a result of an irregular heart rhythm that causes the heart to suddenly stop beating or due to extreme slowing of the heart.3 Young athletes who have an undiscovered heart abnormality may be affected more than others as a result of adrenaline being released during intense physical or athletic activity, which acts as a trigger for sudden cardiac arrest.4
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)?
HCM is a congenital cardiovascular condition that causes excessive thickening of the heart muscle and impairs blood flow. As a result, it increases the chance of individuals like young athletes dying suddenly and without warning.
Who is affected by HCM?
HCM can affect anyone at anytime, and is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in individuals under the age of 30. Specifically, it is known for its impact on young athletes. Most athletes and their family members, who may also be at risk for this genetic condition, are unaware that they might be at risk until SCA strikes.
How many people are affected by HCM?
The Cleveland Clinic estimates that as many as 1.5 million Americans, or one in 500 people are affected by HCM,2 making it more prevalent than multiple sclerosis, which affects one in 700 people.2
What are some of the symptoms associated with HCM?
Many people with HCM experience no symptoms, while others may experience notable signs. Some of these signs2 may include:
- Chest pain or pressure that usually occurs with exercise or physical activity
- Shortness of breath and fatigue, during exercise
- Fainting or passing out
- Heart palpitations, like a fluttering of the heart
How is HCM treated?
Treatment of HCM depends upon a number of conditions. Therefore it is recommended that you speak with your physician about available treatments and/or medications.
What is an ECG?
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a device that measures the electrical activity of your heart. By simply attaching a set of 12 wires to your body, an electrical current is received and translated into an ECG report that is printed and reviewed by your doctor. It is a simple, painless and fast exam that is used to detect heart rhythm problems like insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle or other conditions.5
What is an Echocardiography/Cardiac Ultrasound Exam?
An Echocardiography (echo), or ultrasound of the heart, is a quick and easy test that takes "moving pictures" of the heart using ultra-high frequency sound waves. The pictures taken of the heart reveal the shape, texture and the movement of the valves. This test is similar to having ultrasound pictures of a fetus taken in pregnant women. The test allows doctors to determine if there is a problem with the heart such as heart murmurs, if you experience a previous heart attack or if you have a congenital heart defect. It can also help to understand the cause of unexplained chest pains.6
1. European Heart Journal, 2005
2. Cleveland Clinic Web site. http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/hcm/default.htm#affected.
Accessed March 30, 2006
3. American Heart Association Web site. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4741. Accessed April 3, 2006
4. American Heart Association Web site. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=604. Accessed April 3, 2006
5. American Heart Association Web site. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4620. Accessed April 3, 2006
6. American Heart Association Web site. http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/110072382654837%20What%20Is%20Echocardiography.pdf. Assessed April 5, 2006
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