Blunt impact to the chest leading to sudden death from cardiac arrest during sports activities

Article Abstract:

Young athletes may be at risk for cardiac arrest if they are hit in the chest by a ball. Researchers analyzed records of 25 such deaths. The victims ranged from 3 to 19 years old, and 18 were younger than 16. A baseball or softball caused 18 of the injuries. The rest were caused by a hockey puck, a lacrosse ball, a football helmet, a hockey stick, a karate kick, or body contact. In 19 cases cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted. In only two cases was the heart restarted, but severe brain damage was sustained, and both victims died a few days later. Seven victims wore protective padding. In one case, researchers thought the protective vest moved up and exposed the chest when the athlete raised his arms to intercept a hocky puck. All 22 of those who underwent autopsy had normal hearts. A sudden blow may disrupt the electrical conduction of the normal heartbeat, causing fibrillation.

Health aspects, Injuries, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Projectiles, Cardiac arrest, Blunt trauma

---

Clinical Course of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in a Regional United States Cohort

Article Abstract:

Although hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be a serious disease, many patients with HCM can expect to live long lives. HCM occurs when the heart muscle thickens and cannot pump blood properly. In a study of 277 patients with HCM who were followed for an average of eight years, 45 patients died. However, only 29 died from HCM. Eight of the deaths occurred in patients over the age of 75. Fifty-three patients (19%) lived to be 75 or older. The annual mortality rate was only 1.3%. About 70% of the patients had no symptoms or very mild symptoms.

United States, Prognosis

---

Sudden death in young competitive athletes: clinical, demographic, and pathological profiles

Article Abstract:

Sudden death in young athletes is most likely a result of some type of heart disease that turns deadly during exercise. Of 158 sudden deaths in athletes between 1985 and 1995, 85% were caused by heart disease. Fewer than 5% of the athletes who had a physical exam prior to competition were suspected of having heart disease. Ninety percent of the athletes collapsed during practice or during a game. At autopsy, one-third of the cases were found to be a result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which occurred more often in black athletes.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Causes of, Sudden death

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Holistic healing methods positively advance patient care. Genomics meets nursing practice. Don't overlook "communication competence"
• Abstracts: Ahead of the pack. Casting for capital: what your practice needs to lure investors. You're fired
• Abstracts: Restraint and sudden death from asphyxia. De-escalation in the management of aggression and violence. Dealing with a hostage situation
• Abstracts: Even insomniacs can learn to sleep better. The down side of cyberspace support. Patients go on-line for support
• Abstracts: A conservative approach to placing posterior composite resin restorations. Posterior composite resins: the materials and their clinical performance

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.