Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the sudden loss of heart function. It is caused when the heart develops an electrical problem, causing a rapid and irregular heartbeat. When this happens, the brain and body do not get enough oxygen, which may result in sudden death.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death in young student-athletes. According to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), Sudden Cardiac Arrest can still happen in athletes that have regular health screenings.
Resources
WIAA website on sudden cardiac arrest
UW Health resource on cardiac arrest
