Is Cardiac Arrest in Athletes Like Bronny James More Common?

Bronny James – the 18-year-old son of NBA great Lebron James – became the second high-profile athlete to suffer cardiac arrest this year after collapsing during a team basketball practice at University of Southern California.

After a brief stay in the intensive care unit, James is in stable condition. But, the incident raises the question – is cardiac arrest in athletes more common than we think?

“Although it’s not an unheard-of event, it’s definitely not a freak one either,” says Antonio Fernandez, MD, medical director of the Hartford Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. “This brings back memories of other athletes who died in their prime.”

Dr. Fernandez explains what causes cardiac arrest in young, healthy people, and how it can be prevented.