screening for sudden cardiac arrest

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keep an eye on the athlete

Even with a comprehensive family health history on file, experts say it’s important for parents to keep their ears and eyes open. “Talk to and listen to your child,” Gajarski says. “If she tells you that she is having trouble breathing or is feeling faint, you need to pay attention.”

He also says that if your child suddenly starts slacking off, it may be a sign that she or he is experiencing some discomfort when playing.

“Sometimes we spend so much energy concentrating on the sport that we aren’t watching the physical warning signs,” Gajarski says. “There is so much pressure put on young athletes to win. They are watching the professional athletes who are encouraged to play through the pain.” Don’t be afraid to step in and be an advocate for your child.

Be Prepared
A recent report published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine recommends that all high school and college athletics programs have a detailed, written action plan in place for cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Jonathan A. Drezner, Ph.D., of the University of Washington, and lead author of the recommendations, suggests that automatic external defibrillators be readily available. Administering defibrillation to an athlete within five minutes after collapse increases his or her chances of survival.