Sports Matters Podcast: Unbreakable bodies, vulnerable hearts?

The recent tragic death of a young badminton player raises significant questions: How can a seemingly healthy athlete collapse and die, and was it preventable?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in athletes, though rare, is the leading cause of death during physical activity.

SCA affects males more than females by a tenfold margin. Unlike a heart attack, SCA is a sudden disruption of the heart's electrical activity, causing the heart to stop or beat abnormally. This prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to death if not promptly treated.

Most SCA cases in sports are due to congenital or acquired structural and electrical changes in the heart. A UK study suggests unknown cardiac anomalies at a molecular level could trigger SCA, highlighting the potential need for genetic screening.

Despite its rarity, SCA's impact is devastating. Pre-participation health screenings are crucial, especially for young athletes. While common in major events like the Olympics, smaller competitions often lack mandatory screenings. Endurance events open to the public, such as marathons, typically require only a waiver, placing the onus on individuals and teams to ensure proper screening.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommended targeted medical history and cardiovascular examinations to identify high-risk individuals. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and family history of cardiac conditions should be investigated. Further tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECG) and echocardiograms, can identify electrical and structural heart abnormalities, necessitating a cardiologist's consultation.

For athletes over 35, coronary artery disease is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death. Screening should address heart attack risk factors like family history, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.

Even with a clean bill of health, SCA can still occur due to unknown causes or factors like extreme heat or dehydration. Immediate action, including CPR and defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator (AED), is crucial. CPR maintains blood flow to vital organs, and AEDs can correct abnormal heart rhythms with electrical shocks.

Early CPR and defibrillation are key to successful resuscitation. Public awareness and basic life-saving skills are essential, enabling immediate intervention before medical help arrives. Event organizers must ensure AEDs are accessible and have a certified medical team and Emergency Response Plan.

In conclusion, while athletes may seem in peak health, SCA can strike unexpectedly.

Pre-participation screening helps detect risks, but prevention isn't always possible. Quick intervention through basic life-saving skills is vital.

Are we prepared to save a life? Join Sinar Daily's Sports Matters Podcast where Taylor’s University senior lecturer in emergency medicine at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Dr Aishah Mohd Hafiz and sportswriter Wan Ahmad Atarmizi opening up the untold story of cardiac arrest in sports.