Sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal if not treated immediately, particularly in the absence of medical intervention, according to experts. Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of NBA star LeBron James, recently experienced a cardiac arrest during a basketball practice at the University of Southern California but is now in stable condition. While cardiac arrests in young athletes are relatively rare, there have been high-profile cases such as Damar Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills player who collapsed on the football field in January and returned to practice five months later. Unlike a heart attack, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the rest of the body and posing a life-threatening situation. Symptoms include sudden collapse, lack of pulse, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness. Cardiac arrest can lead to brain and organ injuries as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. It is estimated that over 350,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States each year, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths annually. Potential warning signs include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness, and a pounding heart. Various disorders can cause cardiac arrest, including cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and valvular heart disease. In rare cases, a powerful blow to the chest can also trigger cardiac arrest. Older adults and males are at higher risk for cardiac arrest, although the reasons behind the gender disparity are uncertain. Risk factors include previous episodes of cardiac arrest, coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects. Elite athletes face a higher risk due to intense exercise that can raise adrenaline levels, cause dehydration, and put stress on the body. However, sedentary individuals are generally more at risk for cardiac arrest during exercise compared to those who are active. Immediate treatment for cardiac arrest involves calling 911, performing CPR, and using a defibrillator to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. Administering CPR immediately can double or triple the chances of survival. The longer the delay, the lower the chances of survival. In young people, cardiac arrest can occur due to various factors, but an exact cause is not specified in the article.
