Knowing the signs of cardiac arrest in children

Doctors are warning that sudden cardiac arrest affects children far more often than most realize. They say recognizing the warning signs can make all the difference.

More than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrest events happen every year in the U.S., and more than 7,000 of those involve children. Norton Children’s cardiologist Adam Skaff says certain symptoms in kids can indicate increased risk for cardiac arrest.

Those include chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, fainting or shortness of breath.

“Those are very common symptoms. And if those become prevalent in your child’s history while they’re playing sports or even that rest, it’s important to talk to your doctor about this because it may warrant further cardiology evaluation,” Skaff says.

He adds that in the event of cardiac arrest, providing CPR quickly is key, and he encourages everyone to learn the potentially life-saving technique.

Skagg also says every minute that is delayed with placing a defibrillator, there is 10% less chance that the patient will survive and reach the hospital. He says with proper community training, training in our schools, it can make our community a safer place.