Every year, thousands of children die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  On January 24, 2005, it was our child, Simon.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heartbeat stops abruptly and unexpectedly.  It is not the same thing as a heart attack.  When this happens, blood stops pumping and the child collapses.  SCA is usually attributed to a structural heart defect, like cardiomyopathy, or an electrical heart defect, like Long QT Syndrome.

Cardiomyopathy means that the heart is too big or the walls are too thick.  Like Long QT, it is a congential heart defect (it’s inherited).   If the heart is abnormal, then it can’t function properly, and under certain conditions, like athletics, a child can experience sudden cardiac arrest, which can be fatal. 

Long QT Syndrome is an arrhythmia.  It messes up the heart’s rhythm.  Think of the heart monitor on that TV drama you watched recently.  The lines (or waves) on the ECG machine were ”blipping” along very nicely.  Then, something happens.  The “QT” wave is too long.  The heart goes out of its rhythm and can’t return.  That’s when the arrest occurs.

What are the Warning Signs?

• Fainting (syncope) is the most common symptoms.  These events are not normal and you should not assume that your child is simply tired or dehydrated.  Fainting usually occurs during or immediately after physical activity, or as a result of emotional excitement/distress/surprise, like during your child’s soccer game. 
• Shortness of breath.
• The unexplained death of a family member under the age of 50.

How is it Diagnosed? 

For most children, an electrocardiogram (ECG), evaluated by a cardiologist, is the first step to diagnose a problem with the heart.  An echocardiogram (ECHO) is the next logical step.

How is it Treated?

Most children can be treated with medication called beta blockers. More severe cases are treated by a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator (ICD), or corrective surgery.

How Can We Protect Our Kids?

• Talk to your pediatrician, school faculty and coaches about the warning signs of LQTS.
• If your child faints, get an ECG and consult with a cardiologist.
• Figure out if anyone in your family has ever fainted or died suddenly before the age of 50.  If so, talk to your pediatrician.
• Learn more about early childhood ECG screenings.  A study conducted by the Italians proved that screening young athletes decreased the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest by 85 percent!!!!!!!