Hidden killer for young athletes ----------------------------------------- Sudden cardiac arrest, a leading killer of young athletes, typically results from a congenital abnormality, with the heart unable to cope with extreme exertion, or can also be caused by a blow to the chest ----------------------------------------- Athletes should be monitored to detect any abnormality such as arrhythmic heart beat Superior vena cava Aorta Pulmonary valve Right atrium Atrio- ventricular valve Right ventricle Pulmonary artery Pulmonary veins Left atrium Left ventricle NORMAL RHYTHM 1 Atria contract Blood pumped into ventricles 2 Ventricles contract Blood pumped into body ----------------------------------------- MALFUNCTION: Unlike myocardial infarction, when blockage slows or stops blood flow, sudden cardiac arrest occurs when heart muscles begin to twitch spasmodically – ventricular fibrillation ----------------------------------------- COMMOTIO CORDIS: VF can also be caused by impact on sternum during 30 millisecond window in cardiac cycle. Immediate electrical defibrillation is required ----------------------------------------- Source: American Heart Association © GRAPHIC NEWS