Tragic loss at the Jbeil marathon: Understanding sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes
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A few days ago, 17-year-old Mohammad Ali Daaboul passed away while participating in the Jbeil Marathon after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. He died instantly, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, even though he had no known prior heart condition, or at least none had been diagnosed, according to the circulated information.
This was not the first time a young person has suddenly lost their life due to cardiac arrest without prior warning, and such cases have often been associated with sports activities. Many doctors recommend that teenagers undergo heart examinations to ensure there are no underlying issues and to help prevent such incidents.
However, Dr. Georges Ghanem, Head of the Cardiology Department at the Lebanese American University Medical Center–Rizk Hospital, does not emphasize undergoing these tests routinely, but rather recommends them only in specific cases.
Why might sudden cardiac arrest occur in a young person?
Incidents in which the heart suddenly stops without prior warning continue to occur in Lebanon and worldwide, whether among teenagers, young adults, or even children, although these age groups were once considered protected from such problems due to generally better health.
According to Ghanem, these cases are not common, but their recurrence is more noticeable compared to the past.
Moreover, since young people frequently engage in sports at gyms and outdoors and participate in marathons, they may be at risk during physical exertion if there is an undetected or undiagnosed heart condition.
The most common condition leading to sudden cardiac arrest and death during exertion is hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, a congenital disorder that reduces blood flow to the heart during physical activity due to a structural defect. As blood and oxygen flow decrease, the heart can stop, and in most cases, death occurs.
Fluid dehydration during sports activities can also lead to cardiac arrest, particularly in middle-aged individuals around 40, 50, or 60 years old. When increased heat and physical exertion cause significant fluid loss, the risk rises, and the heart may stop. In such cases, the death rate is considerable.
Is death inevitable if the heart stops during sports?
Death is not inevitable; the patient can be saved. However, the process is complicated and requires rapid intervention within just a few minutes. A defibrillator should be available, usually in medical tents at marathon races. Yet similar incidents may occur away from first responders, making intervention difficult. If the device is unavailable, a sharp chest impact along with chest compressions may be administered. Nevertheless, Ghanem asserts that in reality, when sudden cardiac arrest occurs without an attendant or doctor present, saving the patient’s life is challenging.
Are there any prior signs that could indicate a heart problem?
It is difficult to detect such problems in children unless specific heart examinations are conducted. In response, global recommendations now advocate carrying out the necessary tests and obtaining medical clearance before participating in marathon races, including undergoing an electrocardiogram.
Should every teenager have heart tests at some point?