Are athletes more likely to suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a serious medical emergency in which the heart suddenly ceases the ability to effectively pump blood around the body. Awareness of SCA has increased recently, thanks in part to high profile cases involving sportspeople such as Christian Eriksen and Damar Hamlin.

These cases are, for many, the first time they have heard about sudden cardiac arrest. Elite athletes suffering SCA in a stadium full of people is a traumatic event for all involved and makes front page news.

Why is such a dangerous medical emergency happening to athletes who are among the fittest in society?

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest refers to an abrupt stop to the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in immediate unconsciousness and death within minutes without intervention. SCA is typically caused by an issue with the heart’s electrical system resulting in a dangerous rhythm.

The two most common causes for SCA are Ventricular Fibrillation and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia. Someone who has suffered cardiac arrest will need immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to keep blood pumping, and a shock from a defibrillator to restart a regular rhythm in the heart.

Is SCA more common among athletes?

Because we hear of SCA striking famous athletes more often than regular people, it is easy to think that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is more prevalent in sportspeople.

This is not the case - of around 60,000 deaths resulting from SCA in the UK every year, only one of these is a young athlete. Strenuous exercise is typically very beneficial for the vast majority of the population, however for a small percentage of people with underlying heart conditions, the added strain on the heart can unknowingly put their lives in danger.

What to do if you witness a SCA

Witnessing someone collapse can be a traumatic experience, but being able to act promptly and decisively could mean the difference between life and death.

Someone in cardiac arrest will fall unconscious and will not be breathing normally or not breathing at all. They may be making noises that seem like snoring or gasping - this is called agonal breathing and is an innate reflex of the body, it does not effectively supply the body with oxygen.

If the casualty is not breathing normally, you must call 999 and begin CPR immediately. Begin giving chest compressions at a depth of around a third of the chest, twice a second.

Then give five rescue breaths by pinching the nose and breathing into the mouth. Then continue compressions and breaths at a rate of 30:2 until emergency services or a defibrillator arrive.If you don’t wish to give rescue breaths just proceed with chest compressions.

The emergency services dispatcher will refer you to your nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Send someone to get this if possible or have them take over CPR while you go for the AED.

Once the AED has been retrieved, follow the instructions and continue treatment until emergency services arrive.

Be prepared for Cardiac Arrest

While we currently don’t know how to prevent cardiac arrest in some cases, we can prepare for it by making sure everyone is trained and confident in delivering CPR and using an AED.

Imperative Training has been providing this life-saving training since 2003; call us on 01617767420 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how we can support you.