ABOUT CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS
Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth defect affecting 40,000 babies each year in the US. That is 1 baby every 15 minutes. CHDS are present at birth and affect the structure and function of the heart. It is estimated there are over 2 million children/adults living with CHD's in the United States. Some heart defects are not detected during pregnancy or at birth and can go undetected with no symptoms until teen years or early adulthood.
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN YOUNG ATHLETES
Sudden cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It is the #1 leading cause of death in youth athletes. 1 in 300 youth have an undetected heart condition. Some have no symptoms before they collapse. Signs of SCA are drastic and immediate:
-Sudden collapse
-No pulse
-Loss of respirations(breathing)
-Loss of consciousness
Sign/symptoms that occur prior:
-Chest pain/tightness
-Shortness of breath
-Extreme fatigue/weakness
-dizziness or lightheadedness
-Fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heartbeat.
Often SCA occurs with no warning!
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