Should I Worry About My Young Athlete and Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young athletes is rare, but it’s a topic that naturally raises questions for many parents. Fortunately, with awareness and routine care, the risks can be managed and, in most cases, prevented or identified early.
Each year, about 2,000 people under the age of 25 in the U.S. are affected by SCA. While that number includes both athletes and non-athletes, it’s important to understand that most children and teens can participate in sports safely without concern. Still, being aware of potential warning signs and family history can offer peace of mind.
Heart conditions that can lead to SCA include structural abnormalities, rhythm disorders or inflammation of the heart muscle. In rare instances, other health issues, such as dehydration, drugs or certain medications, can also play a role. That’s why it’s helpful for parents and coaches to keep an eye out for symptoms like chest pain, fainting during exercise or unexplained dizziness.
Pediatricians screen for heart-related risks during routine checkups and sports physicals. If anything concerning comes up, either in a child’s health history or a close family member’s, further evaluation with a cardiologist may be recommended. In these cases, insurance typically covers the necessary tests.
Heart screenings, like EKGs or echocardiograms, aren’t part of standard sports physicals because most young athletes don’t need them, and they can sometimes show false positives in healthy hearts. The best first step is discussing any concerns with your child’s doctor.
While sudden cardiac events in children are uncommon, they’re not exclusive to high-performance athletics. Simple, regular conversations with your child can make all the difference. Check in about how they feel during and outside of physical activity. By staying alert to unusual symptoms and working closely with your child’s healthcare team, you’re taking the most important steps to protect their heart health.
Virginia native Elizabeth “Libby” Sherwin, MD, FHRS, is a pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Children’s National Hospital. She specializes in caring for children with heart rhythm disorders, including arrhythmias, pacemakers and defibrillators. As medical director of electrophysiology, she also leads the Cardiogenetics Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic, supporting families with inherited conditions.
Awards/Honors:
“Top Doctor,” Northern Virginia magazine (2021-2025)
Director of electrophysiology clinics in Fairfax and Fredericksburg
Featured speaker at international medical conferences in Rome, Zagreb and Hong Kong
To book appointments: https://appointments.childrensnational.org/provider/elizabeth-diann-sherwin/2359862