Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Ventricular fibrillation is the most common life-threatening heart rhythm associated with SCA. The heart experts at Saint Luke's Athletic Heart Clinic know the difference between a healthy athletic heart and one at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

Did you know:

• SCA occurs most predominantly in athletes aged 15 to 25
• SCA is the leading cause of death in young athletes, accounting for 75 percent of all deaths
• Sixty to 80 percent of athletes have no symptoms prior to their SCA
• Ninety percent of SCA occurs during training or competition

Causes

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (26.4 percent)
• Commotio cordis (19.9 percent)
• Coronary artery abnormalities (13.7 percent)
• Left ventricular hypertrophy (7.5 percent)
• Myocarditis (5.2 percent)
• Ruptured aortic aneurysm, usually due to Marfan syndrome (3.1 percent)

Symptoms

• Chest pain during exercise
• Fainting during or after exercise
• Unusual shortness of breath during exercise
• Racing or irregular heartbeat during or after exercise

Learn more about Saint Luke’s Athletic Heart Clinic.