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Published on: July 18, 2014
Adolescent Athlete Returns to Competitive Basketball After Cardiac Arrest and Diagnosis of Probable Hypertrophic
Anusha Konduri1, Melodie M Lynn1, Jordan E Ezekian1
1Heart Center, Children's Health, Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Insights
Selected young athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can safely return to competitive sports after cardiac arrest with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Individualized, sport-specific evaluations and shared decision-making are crucial for managing risk and athletic goals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Return to play after cardiac arrest in young athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) necessitates careful evaluation and shared decision-making.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a significant concern for sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
Background:
Return to play after cardiac arrest in young athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) requires careful evaluation and shared decision-making.
Case Summary:
A 14-year-old male competitive basketball athlete survived an out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation arrest and was diagnosed with probable HCM after comprehensive testing. He underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement for secondary prevention. Sport-specific exercise testing and multidisciplinary shared decision-making with his family, clinicians, and athletic staff informed a graded return-to-play plan. He successfully returned to competitive basketball.
Discussion:
Emerging evidence suggests that selected athletes with HCM and implantable defibrillators may safely participate in competitive sports when evaluated with individualized, sport-specific assessment and managed through shared decision-making. This case illustrates how functional evaluation can inform exercise counseling and support participation in high-level athletics.
Take-Home Messages:
Sport-specific evaluation can guide safe return to play in selected athletes with HCM. Shared decision-making is essential in balancing risk and athletic goals.
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