Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children is a rare but critical condition where the heart unexpectedly stops functioning, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. Cardiologists identify common causes like congenital heart defects.
Warning signs include fainting during physical activity, chest pain, and a family history of sudden death. (Photo credit: isayildiz/E+/Getty Images)
New Delhi: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children is a critical condition characterised by an abrupt loss of heart function, which can lead to serious consequences if not treated immediately. The primary causes of sudden cardiac arrest in children include congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and respiratory issues. These conditions can create abnormal electrical activities within the heart, leading to dangerous rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation. But can a cardiac arrest occur in kids? When a shocking case of a five-year-old suffering from the same came on a Disney ride to light, it left parents concerned about heart health in kids.
Talking about the possibility of cardiac arrest in kids, Dr Shubendu Mohanty, Sr Consultant Cardiology, Shardacare, Healthy City, said, “Cardiomyopathies, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, are particularly noted for their prevalence among young athletes, highlighting the necessity for screening and awareness. Understanding the symptoms of SCA is essential for prompt response. Chest pain, fast heartbeat, fainting, and extreme exhaustion with physical exertion are some indicators. Sadly, not every child with SCA will show warning signals; in fact, up to 50% may not show any symptoms at all before an incident occurs.”
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children is a rare but critical condition where the heart unexpectedly stops functioning, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. Cardiologists identify common causes like congenital heart defects, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and inherited arrhythmias like Long QT syndrome, which disrupt the heart’s electrical system. Conditions like myocarditis, viral infections, or even blunt trauma to the chest (commotio cordis) can also trigger SCA. Warning signs include fainting during physical activity, chest pain, and a family history of sudden death. Immediate CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are essential in these emergencies, and early screening can help detect underlying heart conditions to prevent such occurrences.
What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?
The symptoms of cardiac arrest are:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Palpitations
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