Friends, for the last few years, you might have heard about many YOUNG people dying due to Sudden Cardiac (Heart) Attacks. Heart conditions that are not diagnosed, such as genetic heart disease, can cause sudden death in young adults. A heart condition that is not identified may cause a young person to die during physical activity, such as competitive sports, suddenly.
How Common is Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People?
Most sudden cardiac deaths are in older adults, particularly those with heart disease. Yet, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. Estimates vary, but some reports suggest that about one in 50,000 young athletes dies of sudden cardiac death every year.
What can cause Sudden Death in Young People?
Changes in the heart’s electrical signalling often cause sudden cardiac death. A very fast heartbeat causes the lower heart chambers to squeeze fast and in a way that is not coordinated. The heart can’t pump blood to the body. This life-threatening type of irregular heartbeat is called ventricular fibrillation. Anything that strains the heart or damages heart tissue can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. Some conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac death in young people are:
- Thickened heart muscle, also called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy– This genetic condition is the most common cause of cardiac death in young people. It causes the heart muscle to grow too thick. The thickening makes it hard for heart to ump blood. This can cause fast heartbeats.
- Long QT syndrome– This heart rhythm condition can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. It’s linked to fainting for no reason and sudden death especially n young people. If you are born with with it, it’s called congenital long QT syndrome. If it is caused by medicine or health condition, it is called acquired long QT syndrome.
- Other heart rhythm conditions– other irregular heart rhythms can cause sudden cardiac death. These include Brugada syndrome and Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome.
- Forceful hit to the chest– A blunt chest injury that causes sudden cardiac death is called commotio cordis. It may occur in athletes who are hit hard in the chest by sports equipment or by another player. This condition does not damage the heart muscle. Instead, it changes heart’s electrical signaling. The blow to the chest can trigger ventricular fibrillation. The hit must occur at specific time in the heart signaling cycle.
- Congenital heart defect– Some people are born with changes in heart and blood vessels. These changes can reduce blood flow and lead to sudden cardiac death.
How can parents, coaches and others know if a young person is at risk of sudden cardiac death?
- Fainting also called syncope– Fainting that can’t be explained and occurs during activity or exercise could mean there is a heart problem.
- Shortness off breath or chest pain– These symptoms could be a sign of heart problem. But conditions such As asthama also can be the cause. That is why it is important to get a complete health checkup.
- Family history of sudden cardiac death– This family history makes a person more likely to have the same type of heart event. If there is family history of deaths that cannot be explained, talk with healthcare professional about screening options.
Can sudden death in young people be prevented?
Sometimes, if you are at high risk of sudden cardiac death, a healthcare professional may tell you which physical activities to avoid. Athletes may be asked not to play competitive sports.
Depending on the underlying condition, medicine or surgery may be recommended to lower the risk of sudden death. For example, a device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be placed in the chest. This device continuously checks the heart’s rhythm. If a life-threatening heart rhythm change occurs, the ICD device delivers electric shocks to reset the heart.
Many athletes training centres have a portable device called an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is used to treat someone during cardiac arrest. It delivers shocks to reset the heart rhythm. No training is needed to use it. The device tells you what to do. It’s programmed to give shock only when necessary.
Who should be screened for sudden death risk?
There is debate in the medical community about screening young people, especially athletes in attempt to identify those at high risk of sudden death.
One study found that mandatory heart checks of young people with ECG leads to lower rates of sudden cardiac death. But some worry this type of screening can suggest something is wrong when there is not a problem. This is called false-positive result. Another worry is that screening would lead to over diagnosis of conditions that may never cause harm.
If you have family history or risk factors for conditions that cause sudden cardiac death, screening is typically recommended.
Should Young adults with a heart problem avoid or limit physical activity?
It depends. If you are at risk of sudden cardiac death, talk to your healthcare professionals about any physical activity including gyming. Whether you can safely participate in exercise or sports depends on your specific condition. Do not play full-contact sports if you have a medical device in your chest to find and stop irregular heartbeats. A direct blow to the chest may move the device.
Your healthcare professional can tell you which sports and types of exercise are safe for you.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
24th June 2025.