Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens. When SCA happens, the person collapses and doesn’t respond or breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if having a seizure. SCA leads to death in minutes if the person does not get help right away. Survival depends on people nearby calling 911, starting CPR¹, and using an AED² (if available) as soon as possible.

¹CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is when you push hard and fast on the center of the chest to make the heart pump. Compressions may be given with or without rescue breaths.

²AED: Automated external defibrillator is a device that analyzes the heart and if it detects a problem may deliver a shock to restart the heart’s normal rhythm.

Sudden cardiac arrest isn't the same as a heart attack when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest. If not treated immediately, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death. Survival is possible with fast, appropriate medical care. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using a defibrillator, or even just giving compressions to the chest can improve the chances of survival until emergency workers arrive.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes while training or participating in sports competitions. Even athletes who appear healthy and have a normal preparticipation screening may have underlying heart abnormalities that can be life-threatening. SCA is more likely to occur during exercise or physical activity, so student-athletes are at greater risk. While a heart condition may have no warning signs, studies show that many young people do have symptoms but neglect to tell an adult. This may be because they are embarrassed, they do not want to jeopardize their playing time, they mistakenly think they’re out of shape and need to train harder, or they simply ignore the symptoms, assuming they will “just go away.” Additionally, some health history factors increase the risk of SCA.

1. Fainting/blackouts (especially during exercise)
2. Dizziness
3. Unusual fatigue/weakness
4. Chest pain
5. Shortness of breath
6. Nausea/vomiting
7. Palpitations (heart is beating unusually fast or skipping beats)
8. Family history of sudden cardiac arrest at age < 50

In Wisconsin, our Legislature passed 2021 Wisconsin Act 210, which took effect on July 1, 2022. The law requires educating athletic coaches and pupil athletes and their parents or guardians about the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest during youth athletic activities. The information provided shall include the following:

1. Information about the risks associated with continuing to participate in a youth athletic activity after experiencing one or more symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, including fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pains, dizziness, and abnormal racing heart rate.
2. Information about electrocardiogram testing, including the potential risks, benefits, and evidentiary basis behind electrocardiogram testing.
3. Information about how to request, from a pupil's health care provider, the administration of an electrocardiogram, in addition to a comprehensive physical examination required to participate in a youth athletic activity, at a cost to be incurred by the pupil's parent or guardian.