Does sudden cardiac arrest only affect young athletes?
No. Although cases of young athletes collapsing during sporting events often attract considerable media attention, they are not the most common scenario.
When sudden cardiac arrest affects people under the age of 45, it is often linked to an inherited heart condition, a disease of the heart muscle, or an electrical disorder that had previously gone undetected.
What are the warning signs?
According to Dr Arbelo, there are certain symptoms that should never be dismissed, particularly in young people who play sports.
“Fainting during exercise, recurrent palpitations, chest pain brought on by physical activity, or a family history of sudden cardiac arrest are all reasons to seek specialist medical assessment to rule out an underlying heart condition. A family history of early-onset heart disease — particularly conditions affecting the heart muscle or heart rhythm — as well as sudden cardiac arrests, especially in younger family members, also warrant further investigation."
Physical activity is not, in itself, a direct cause of sudden cardiac arrest. On the contrary, regular exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular health. However, in people with an undiagnosed heart condition, intense physical exertion can trigger a life-threatening arrhythmia.
Knowing CPR and having access to an AED saves lives
Erik's story highlights the importance of having AEDs available in sports facilities and ensuring that more people know the basics of CPR.
“Survival depends on the chain of survival being activated immediately: recognising a cardiac arrest, calling 112, starting CPR without delay, and using an AED as soon as one is available,” says Dr Arbelo.
For Erik, those first few minutes made all the difference. Today, he shares his story with a clear purpose: to raise awareness that anyone can learn CPR and that having an AED nearby is not simply a matter of logistics — it's a lifesaving resource.
