Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the sudden onset of an abnormal and lethal heart rhythm, causing the heart to stop beating and the individual to collapse.

SCA is the leading cause of death in the U.S. afflicting over 300,000 individuals per year.

What causes sudden cardiac arrest?

SCA in young athletes is usually caused by a structural or electrical disorder of the heart. Many of these conditions are inherited (genetic) and can develop as an adolescent or young adult. SCA is more likely during exercise or physical activity, placing student-athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions at greater risk. SCA also can occur from a direct blow to the chest by a firm projectile (baseball, softball, lacrosse ball, or hockey puck) or by chest contact from another player (called “commotio cordis”).

SCA Infographic

UW Center for Sports Cardiology

According to the CDC, heat illness during practice or competition is the leading cause of death among U.S. high school athletes.

There are several types of heat illness ranging in severity. Although heat illness can be fatal, death is preventable if quickly recognized and properly treated. Find further resources related to heat acclimatization.

Heat Illness - Parent.Coach

Heat illness - Parent.coach espanol

Hydration.Heat illness

Exertional Heat research

Exertional sickling is a medical emergency occurring in athletes carrying the sickle cell trait.  When the red blood cells(RBC) change shape or “sickle” this causes a build up of RBCs in small blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow. The drop in blood flow leads to a breakdown of muscle tissue and cell death, known as fulminant rhabdomyolysis.

Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell and the Athlete powerpoint