Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults: A Growing Concern

Life can change in an instant! For some young adults, that instant is a sudden cardiac arrest - a devastating event that can strike without warning. 

Cardiac arrest in young adults? How is that even possible?

We know it can be hard to wrap your head around the fact that young people (as young as 20 years old) are not immune to the effects of cardiac arrest. There have been multiple reports of young adults succumbing to heart attacks around the globe.

With that said, why is it even happening? What causes cardiac arrest among young adults? What precautions should young athletes take to safeguard their health? This write-up answers them all!

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac arrest, is a life-threatening emergency that occurs due to an abrupt and irregular heart rhythm. This occurs when the heart arteries are clogged with cholesterol or other deposits - reducing the blood flow to the heart.

How Common is Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults?

There is a prevalent belief that cardiac arrest is common among older adults, particularly those with heart disease. Yet sudden cardiac arrest is becoming one of the leading causes of death in young adults. 

Though the estimates may vary, a 2014 review estimated that about one in 50,000 athletes to one in 100,000 die from sudden cardiac arrest each. It’s not uncommon to come across stories of young individuals suddenly collapsing, sometimes during vigorous exercising or even without an evident trigger. 

What Causes Cardiac Arrest In Young Adults?

Not all cause of sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults is known - but here are a few of the the reasons that contribute to it:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is typically passed down through families and often goes undetected, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the primary heart-related cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young individuals. It involves thickening of the heart's lower chamber muscle cells, known as ventricles, which trigger abnormal heart rhythms, particularly during exercise. Other forms of pediatric cardiomyopathy may also contribute to this condition. 
• Coronary Artery Abnormalities - defects in the way the coronary arteries connect to the heart - which can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart and muscle during exercise and cause cardiac arrest. Young people with coronary artery abnormalities are usually born with them, but symptoms may not appear until later in life.
• Primary Arrhythmias - In people with structurally normal heart, sudden cardiac arrest can sometimes be caused by undiagnosed genetic conditions that impact the heart’s electrical signals, such as:
• Long QT Syndrome - a heart rhythm condition that causes fast and chaotic heart rhythm.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: The presence of an extra electrical pathway in the heart, causing abnormally fast heartbeats.
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) - This is an inherited condition where the heart’s muscle tissue gets replaced with scar tissue.
• Myocarditis - It is an inflammation of the heart walls, typically caused by an infection. In children, it is most often triggered by viruses like enteroviruses but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, as well as allergic reactions to certain medications.
• Marfan Syndrome - This connective tissue disorder can cause tears in the aorta, the heart's main blood vessel. Individuals born with the condition, often characterized by tall stature and long arms, may be unaware of its presence.
• Commotio Cordis - This condition occurs when a blow to the chest strikes the heart at a specific point in the heartbeat cycle. It affects children with completely normal hearts and is more common in sports involving projectiles, like baseball, ice hockey, and lacrosse.

What Are The Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults?

Most times, sudden cardiac arrest in young adults comes without warning. Even sometimes, symptoms can go unnoticed. Young individuals should seek health checkup who suffer from:

Fainting: Fainting that cannot be explained and occurs out of the blue during activity or exercise could mean that there is a heart problem.

Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain: This is a symptom of cardiac arrest. Also, asthma can be another cause. Therefore, it is important to get your health check-up.

Family History of Sudden Cardiac Death: A family history of similar heart events increases the likelihood of occurrence. If there have been unexplained deaths in the family, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider about potential screening options.

Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young People Preventable?

In many instances, taking early action and actively managing risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of cardiac arrest. However, it relies on how aware the individual is of any underlying heart abnormalities or risk factors and seeks appropriate treatment. 

Treating cardiac arrest really depends on what's causing it, and the plan might involve anything from medication and surgery to making lifestyle changes—or even a combination of all these options. It's about discovering the optimal approach for each person.

For individuals at high risk, research indicates that implanting an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can reduce life-threatening arrhythmia episodes by up to 49 times.

Doctors may recommend that young people with genetic or congenital heart conditions leading to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death adopt heart-healthy habits. These may include following a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, and engaging in light physical activity while typically advising against intense exercise based on individual risk factors.

How To Prevent Cardiac Arrest In Young Adults?

These are small steps that families and communities can take to minimize the risk of cardiac arrest in young adults:

Regular Well-Child Visits and Physical Exams

Think of wellness check-ups as your child’s annual tune-up—a chance to ensure everything is running smoothly. These visits allow for a full physical exam and a closer look at their health history, helping to pinpoint any risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). And don’t skip those pre-participation exams! Even if your child isn’t on the sports team roster, gym class and playful afternoons still count as exercise. A quick chat with the doctor and a screening form could reveal if a specialist visit is worth considering.

Know Your Family History

Here’s where a little detective work can make all the difference. Gather heart health details from relatives—parents, siblings, grandparents, and even that cousin you only see at family reunions. Share these insights with your paediatrician to help guide meaningful discussions during check-ups. It’s like equipping your doctor with a roadmap to your family’s health story.

Community Life Support Training and AEDs

The AAP wholeheartedly supports teaching CPR—it’s a skill worth its weight in gold—for students and school staff alike. And those automated external defibrillators (AEDs)? They’re lifesavers, quite literally. Having AEDs close to athletic and training facilities ensures that, in a crisis, a swift shock can bring a heart back to its rhythm. It’s a reassuring layer of protection every community should consider.

Conclusion 

Sudden cardiac arrest in young adults is a quiet but serious threat, often appearing without warning. The good news is that we have the tools to fight back. By staying informed, taking action early, and focusing on care, we can make a real difference. Simple steps like embracing healthy habits, understanding your family’s heart history, and keeping up with regular check-ups can change lives. Every heartbeat matters—let’s protect young hearts today to ensure a bright, healthy tomorrow.