Researchers have discovered a link between commotio cordis in young athletes and the popular sport lacrosse. Commotio cordis is an often-fatal heart rhythm abnormality triggered by a blow – even a relatively mild one – to the chest. Commotio cordis is rare, but it can be catastrophic when it occurs.
A recent commotio cordis study, published online and in the journal Pediatrics, found that the rate of sudden death for lacrosse was similar to that for other youth sports. But the rate of commotio cordis was higher for lacrosse than for all other youth sports, with the exception of hockey.
Researchers said: “Susceptibility in lacrosse to commotio cordis is disproportionate to that of many other competitive sports, including some that also employ hard and solid projectiles (e.g., baseball). Prevention of commotio cordis deaths in athletes is a pediatric medicine issue and should be a focus of public education, as well as future research and the development of effective chest barriers.”
The study reviewed deaths among young lacrosse players between 1980 and 2008. During that time, there were 23 sudden deaths or sudden cardiac arrests recorded for lacrosse players in the Sudden Death in Young Athletes Registry. According to the study, lacrosse is the most rapidly growing youth sport in the U.S.
When the study was published, ABC News interviewed Dr. Richard Stein, Director of Preventive Cardiology at Beth Israel Hospital and a spokesman for the American Heart Association. Dr. Stein’s recommendation to safeguard young athletes from the risk of commotio cordis? Automated external defibrillators (AEDs). He said:
Buy automatic defibrillators and have them at every school game, at every college game, at every professional sport game—anywhere where this is likely to occur. And have the first responders, the coaches, the trainers, who run out on the field after an athlete falls, have them with them. If they can deliver an appropriate shock to these young men and women, within one to three minutes after the event, they can wake up and be fine.
U.S. Lacrosse has taken a leadership role among youth sports organizations in addressing commotio cordis, its prevention, and its treatment. This work includes an automated external defibrillator (AED) program, with discounts for member lacrosse groups on purchases of Cardiac Science’s Powerheart G3 AEDs. Cardiac Science is working with U.S. Lacrosse to create greater awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of having accessible AEDs for sports venues.
In 2008, two high school lacrosse players, Alex Beuris and James Hendrick, were struck during games, suffered commotio cordis, and were revived using AEDs. Lacrosse Magazine wrote that the two saves “drew needed attention to risk management at athletic events, specifically having an AED available at game and practice sites.”
For more information on AEDs and the partnership between U.S. Lacrosse and Cardiac Science, please visit http://www.cardiacscience.com/blog/2009/02/matters-of-the-heart-a-comprehensive-look-at-commotio-cordis-and-whats-being-done-to-prevent-it/
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December 8th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Something that needs to be addressed by more coaches is the fitting of chest pads. Too many kids wear chest pads that are not fitted correctly and the coaches never check to make sure the pads cover the kids’ solar plexus. HS and College and Jr. H. kids are notorious for altering and removing pads for comfort, coolness, and room to move. I will sit kids down who are not appropriately padded.
Another growing problem is that the game is growing so rapidly in popularity and the refs and coaches are not as informed about the game’s rules as they should be. I have been to more than one game where kids are dangerously cross checked or there has been a take out check that was particularly egregious and illegal and the ref says, “play on!”
This results in games that are brutal and do not exhibit the finesse of the sport which is in rapid ball movement and cutting footwork. Hits should be part of the play but not so brutal if the defenseman is actually doing his job and not ‘chasing’ stick.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Thanks for the perspective, Shannon. You bring up good points. What do you propose re: padding and better prepared coaches?
I wonder: if the correct use for pads has that many variables, do you think AEDs should be mandatory at lacrosse games?
December 29th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
One of our lieutenants (a Lacrosse coach himself) saved the life of another Lacrosse coach at a match in Savannah, GA this year by using an AED. So I would say, “Yes!” I think all organized sports should have immediate access to an AED.
Tom