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Sudden death in young people: Heart problems often blamed
Content
How common is sudden cardiac death in young people?
What can cause sudden cardiac death in young people?
Are there symptoms or red flags parents, coaches and others should be on the lookout for that signal a young person is at high risk of sudden cardiac death?
Can sudden death in young people be prevented?
Who should be screened for sudden death risk factors?
Should young people with a heart defect avoid physical activity?
Can sudden death in young people be prevented?
Sometimes. If you're at high risk of sudden cardiac death, your doctor will usually suggest that you avoid competitive sports. Depending on your underlying condition, medical or surgical treatments might be appropriate to reduce your risk of sudden death.
Another option for some, such as those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This pager-sized device implanted in your chest like a pacemaker continuously monitors your heartbeat. If a life-threatening arrhythmia occurs, the ICD delivers electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
