Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
A high school soccer player experienced sudden cardiac arrest during competition and required immediate CPR and AED use. Following resuscitation, physicians ruled out commotio cordis and identified findings consistent with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, supported by a prolonged T-wave on EKG while all other laboratory and catheterization results were normal. The athlete later received an ICD and pacemaker, prompting significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments. This capstone project examines the emergency response, the role of trained medical personnel at sporting events, and the implications of early cardiac screening for adolescent athletes. Through consented family interviews, structured questionnaires, and case-based data collection, the project explored how medically supervised low intensity exercise may support psychological well-being and quality of life compared to complete activity restrictions. This case aims to raise awareness of hidden cardiac conditions, improve emergency preparedness in school athletics, and highlight systems level considerations for athlete safety.
Research Highlights
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The Problem: Adolescent athletes can experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) without prior warning due to hidden conditions like arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, necessitating immediate emergency response and long-term lifestyle adjustments.
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The Method: This capstone project utilized a case-based data collection framework involving a 17-year-old male soccer player, consisting of consented family interviews, structured questionnaires, and a clinical review of EKG, cardiac MRI, and exercise stress test results.
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Quantitative Finding: An AED shock was delivered in under 3 minutes following the athlete's collapse; cardiac MRI revealed borderline LV hypertrophy with a normal RV; genetic testing returned negative results.
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Qualitative Finding: Medically supervised low-intensity exercises, such as golf and bowling, are explored as methods to support psychological well-being and quality of life for athletes facing complete activity restrictions from high-intensity sports.
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Finding: Survival for adolescent SCA is highly dependent on rapid recognition, immediate CPR, and the presence of trained medical personnel like athletic trainers to execute rehearsed emergency action plans.
Recommended Citation
Rolfes, Jacob; Holtgrewe, Brent; and Tzianos, Mike, "Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Newly Diagnosed Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a High School Athlete" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 27.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/Posters/1/27
Included in
Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Newly Diagnosed Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a High School Athlete
A high school soccer player experienced sudden cardiac arrest during competition and required immediate CPR and AED use. Following resuscitation, physicians ruled out commotio cordis and identified findings consistent with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, supported by a prolonged T-wave on EKG while all other laboratory and catheterization results were normal. The athlete later received an ICD and pacemaker, prompting significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments. This capstone project examines the emergency response, the role of trained medical personnel at sporting events, and the implications of early cardiac screening for adolescent athletes. Through consented family interviews, structured questionnaires, and case-based data collection, the project explored how medically supervised low intensity exercise may support psychological well-being and quality of life compared to complete activity restrictions. This case aims to raise awareness of hidden cardiac conditions, improve emergency preparedness in school athletics, and highlight systems level considerations for athlete safety.