By Levi Novero, MD
Every few weeks in the news there’s another terrifying incident of a student athlete losing consciousness on the field, leaving parents and physicians wondering what underlying health condition they have. These incidents can lead to permanent injury and even death, but many of them are preventable. As athletes start to take to the field again this coming school year, parents can play an active role in injury prevention.
Symptoms and signs that serve as an alert
Sometimes an athlete’s medical incident on the field was the result of an untreated heart condition. In certain cases, these conditions have signs and symptoms coaches and parents can watch for (and tragically, sometimes not). In particular, coaches should alert the parents to any of the following symptoms, and parents should promptly report these symptoms to the pediatrician:
● Chest pain
● New-onset fatigue
● Shortness of breath
● Lack of stamina
● Heart palpitations/racing heart
● Passing out or syncope
● Feeling dizzy
● High blood pressure
● Heart murmur
Don’t wait to see how any of these symptoms progress, but instead make an appointment with the pediatrician and simply say, “I’m concerned about Johnny’s heart, because when he plays, he is short of breath.” Don’t be shy to ask for a cardiac referral.
Preventing tragedies that had no signs or symptoms
The toughest cases are those where there were missed or no warning signs. For example, heart conditions can manifest without warning, and the first major incident is the first time parents or the athlete knew there was a problem. This type of incident is what led to the deployment and widespread training of school personnel in defibrillators. Know your school and sports programs’ policy and access to these life saving devices ahead of time.
In addition, parents can investigate their own family history of heart conditions to know their student athlete’s risk for developing one on the field. Consider whether anyone in the family tree has had an unexpected death before age 50, or a history of other heart problems, such as a heart attack at a younger age as well. Talk to multiple generations, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other children to identify if there is a family history. If so, bring up these cases with your pediatrician or heart specialist to figure out the safest way for your student athlete to proceed through their sports career. Non-athletes may also have difficult-to-spot symptoms if they are not regularly asserting themselves.
And don’t forget about the need to hydrate
In July, a Florida law took effect that requires public and private schools to have defibrillators, but also cold immersion tubs or other means of quickly lowering the body temperature for any student athlete going through heat stress. Verify that your program has personnel that knows how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress, but also be proactive in ensuring your child is staying well-hydrated and cool enough in the hot summer months.
Some commons signs of heat stroke, which can be serious, include:
● Headache or dizziness
● Excessive sweating and pale skin
● Fast breathing or pulse
● Extreme thirst
● Confusion
● High body temperature
Take immediate action to hydrate, cool, and calm your child and follow up with your pediatrician promptly.
Through each of these actions, parents can ensure the best possible outcome medically for your child to get back on the field safely.
Dr. Levi Novero is a Pediatric Cardiologist at KIDZ Medical Services in Naples, Florida.
