Cardiologist Highlights Alarming Increases in Heart Diseases for Sports Athletes

Sports athletes are always at a high risk of cardiac failure. As students return to school, hospitals and clinics see a surge in visits, particularly among the younger population. These appointments include various healthcare services, including check-ups, vaccinations, and an essential component – heart screenings.

For student-athletes, these cardiac assessments hold great importance, and Dr. Frank Han, a pediatric cardiologist at OSF HealthCare, emphasizes their significance, especially as students prepare for academic and athletic activities.

Insights on sudden cardiac arrests in athletes

To underscore the importance of these screenings, let’s delve into a comprehensive 10-year review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This study aimed to understand the demographics and causes of sudden cardiac deaths during sports activities in Australia.

As per a report by Riverbender.com, the National Institute of Health’s study analyzed nearly 20,000 autopsies conducted between 2006 and 2015, with most involving adults. The findings shed light on a small subset of cases involving children with underlying heart conditions. These conditions were either arrhythmogenic or suspected to be arrhythmogenic, meaning they could potentially trigger cardiac arrhythmias.

Alternatively, some children were diagnosed with inherited cardiomyopathies, cardiac muscle diseases acquired through genetic inheritance or over time. Sudden cardiac death during sports is rare but profoundly distressing, often affecting outwardly healthy individuals.

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This underscores the importance of early detection and risk assessment. Cardiac screenings, especially for young athletes, play a pivotal role in this context. These screenings typically involve a series of tests to evaluate heart health and uncover any irregularities.

Comprehensive cardiac screening methods

Among these tests, one of the major is electrocardiogram. It is a technique that measures the heart’s electrical activity and points out any irregularities that are present by electric signals. These electric signals are further studied by the clinician for any complications. There are other checkups as well, such as monitoring of blood pressure and the potential risk of stroke. The pulse rate and other such vitals are vital for keeping your heart healthy.

Sports athletes constantly stress out their bodies without much rest and when you are involved in physical exhaustion, your heartbeat increases, and other vitals are pumped up too. It is essential to keep them in control. Regular check-ups encompassing cardiac assessments reassure parents and contribute to children’s overall health and well-being. InIn conclusion, as students prepare for another academic year filled with physical activities, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of cardiac screenings.Although sudden cardiac death is rare, it remains a cause for concern. Early detection through screenings is a pivotal step in averting such tragic events. These screenings safeguard young athletes and promote overall child health, offering invaluable insights for parents and contributing to a safer, healthier future.

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