The Unbelievable Cases of Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes
In July 2023, when Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, collapsed during a routine basketball practice, it shocked the sports world. Despite being in peak physical condition, the young athlete suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. His collapse raised a critical question: why are fit young athletes experiencing heart issues?
While it’s easy to assume that intense exercise increases the risk, this is not entirely the case. In fact, regular exercise is generally beneficial for the heart. However, underlying heart conditions can make young athletes more vulnerable to cardiac events, even during seemingly normal physical activity. This article explores why cardiac arrest can occur in young athletes and what the public should understand about these incidents.
The Role of Genetics and Heart Abnormalities
Cardiac arrest in young athletes is often caused by hidden heart abnormalities—either structural or electrical—that aren’t always visible until it’s too late. These conditions can go undetected for years, as they may not manifest until a catastrophic event happens, such as during intense physical exertion.
According to Dr. Jonathan Kim, a leading cardiologist, these heart abnormalities are more common in male athletes, with cardiac arrest occurring five times more frequently in men than in women. The risk may also increase when athletes have inherited conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, both of which can lead to arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats that disrupt the heart’s rhythm, causing it to stop.
The Impact of Exercise on the Heart
While exercise is generally healthy, it can act as a trigger for athletes with underlying heart conditions. The combination of stress hormones, dehydration, and intense physical strain may push a vulnerable heart into a dangerous arrhythmia. For athletes who already have a heart defect, exercise is the perfect storm for a potential cardiac arrest. However, for most athletes, regular exercise helps the heart grow stronger and more resilient, making the actual occurrence of cardiac events quite rare.
Commotio Cordis: A Rare and Deadly Condition
Bronny James isn’t the only athlete to experience cardiac arrest in recent years. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a January 2023 NFL game, and his case was caused by a rare condition called commotio cordis. This occurs when a blow to the chest, precisely timed with the heart’s electrical cycle, triggers a lethal arrhythmia known as ventricular fibrillation. This rare event can happen in any sport, but it’s especially prevalent in contact sports like football and hockey.
Although commotio cordis is extremely rare, it can be fatal if not treated immediately with defibrillation. It’s a reminder that even in top athletes, the heart is a delicate organ, and the consequences of trauma can be severe.
The Hidden Risks for Older Athletes
While much attention has focused on young athletes, there is another group at higher risk for heart issues: older athletes, particularly those over 40. As we age, coronary artery disease becomes more common, and intense physical exertion can sometimes trigger a heart attack, especially if there’s an underlying plaque rupture in the arteries. However, such events are still relatively rare, and regular exercise remains beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A study of marathon runners, for example, revealed that the incidence of sudden cardiac death was extremely low—less than one death per 100,000 participants. Despite this, exercise in older adults can still pose risks, particularly for those who push their bodies beyond their limits without proper preparation.
The Importance of Screening and Early Detection
Many athletes, especially those over 40, wonder whether heart screenings could help detect hidden conditions before they result in an emergency. Cardiologists debate the necessity and effectiveness of routine screenings. While tests like EKGs and echocardiograms can detect certain abnormalities, they don’t always prevent sudden cardiac arrest. A 20-year study of young soccer players in the UK found that while screenings detected 3% of players with heart conditions, it failed to prevent sudden cardiac death in other athletes.
For most people, the best way to protect the heart is through proactive care. This includes easing into strenuous exercise, paying attention to symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. If any concerning symptoms appear, it’s essential to see a doctor for a full evaluation.
Conclusion: Prevention and Preparedness
The cases of Bronny James and Damar Hamlin highlight the unpredictable nature of cardiac arrest in young athletes. While these events are rare, they stress the importance of being prepared—both in terms of early detection of heart conditions and knowing how to respond in an emergency. Having access to CPR training and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is critical in saving lives during such events.
By staying proactive, listening to their bodies, and seeking medical attention when necessary, athletes can reduce their risk of life-threatening cardiac incidents.