Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Student-Athletes

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is not a heart attack. It’s an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system that abruptly stops the heartbeat. It's caused by an undetected congenital or genetic heart condition.


First Symptom May Be Death

Possible Warning Signs: Unexplained fainting, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain, heart palpitations, family history of SCA, or unexplained sudden death under the age of 50.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 Killer of Student Athletes1

Up to 72% of sudden cardiac arrests are preceded by symptoms2, which often go unrecognized, which is why parents and student-athletes thoughtfully completing sports clearance packets and health history forms together is so critical.  SCA is also the leading cause of death on school campuses3, with 1 in 300 youth having an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk for SCA4.

1Journal of Athletic Training 2017;52(4):000-000 Harmon et al DOI: 10.1161/Circulation AHA.115.015431

2 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/767325

3 https://www.asumag.com/safety-security/fire-life-safety/article/20850611/shocking-statistics

4 Validated as the average of multiple studies of SCA in youth: Fuller (1997), Corrado (2006), AHA (2007),  Wilson (2008), Bessem (2009), Hevia (2009), Baggish (2010), Harmon (2015), Drezner (2016)


Time Critical

If not properly treated within minutes, SCA is fatal in 92% of cases.


Are there warning signs?

Although SCA happens unexpectedly, some people may have signs or symptoms, such as:

  • fainting (#1 symptom of a potential heart condition)
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • racing or fluttering of heartbeat (palpitation)
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • extreme fatigue (tiredness)
These symptoms can be unclear and confusing in athletes. Often, people confuse these warning signs with physical exhaustion. SCA can be prevented if the underlying causes can be diagnosed and treated.
 
How are student-athletes being protected?

California passed the Eric Paredes Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act in 2016 to protect students participating in school-sponsored athletic activities. The new policy adds SCA training to coach certification and a new protocol that empowers coaches to remove from play a student who exhibits fainting, and potentially for other conditions if they are believed to be cardiac-related. Student-athletes must be evaluated and cleared by a physician, surgeon, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant to return to play. Student-athletes and parents/guardians review and sign an SCA Information sheet as part of their annual sports packet.


Resources

NFHS Sudden Cardiac Arrest Course (Free)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Training for Coaches

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Training for Athletic Trainers

SCA Flyer / SCA Flyer (Spanish)

SCA Fact Sheet / SCA Fact Sheet (Spanish)

     Find Fact Sheets in More Languages

The SCA Fact Sheet is recommended for schools to use to comply with CIF Bylaw 503.J. – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Protocol and California State Law AB 1639 (Education Code § 33479)

Sideline Action Plan

Coach/Sports Officials SCA Fact Sheet

Cardiac Chain of Survival

Parent/Athlete Team Meeting Handout / Parent/Athlete Team Meeting Handout (Spanish)

SCA Warning Signs Poster / SCA Warning Signs Poster (Spanish)

Cardiac Chain of Survival Poster

SCA Prevention Videos for Parents, Coaches, and Team Meetings

Other Free SCA Prevention Resources Provided by the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation