HOW TO PREVENT SUDDEN DEATH

As expected, for a complex issue like Sudden Death, there is no single measure to prevent it. The most important strategies can be summarized in the following 4 items:

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS

While sporting activity is a healthy behavior, there are other habits that should also be implemented to reduce the chances of developing diseases and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.

The main health measures include:

• Healthy eating
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Stress management
• No smoking
• No use of unauthorized drugs

For athletes, it is crucial to maintain adequate hydration, prevent heat stroke during sports practice, and avoid impacts to the chest area. Doping should be completely eliminated from sports behavior.

REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UPS AND PRE-PARTICIPATION SCREENING

Many cases of Sudden Death occur in people who were unaware that they had any predisposing condition for such an event. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent sudden death. Therefore, regular medical check-ups are recommended to monitor health status, especially before starting recreational sports activities.

Athletes should undergo routine annual medical check-ups. These check-ups should be conducted by professionals trained in this field, as athletes have specific characteristics that may be misinterpreted.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF PREDISPOSING CONDITIONS

If abnormal conditions are detected during medical check-ups, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or abnormalities in the electrocardiogram, strict medical management and follow-up are important to reduce the chances of major complications like Cardiac Arrest.

Athletes with any pathological condition require management adjusted to their physical activity level. A difficult decision that should be made by a team of highly trained professionals in such cases is whether to temporarily or permanently suspend sports practice.

COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Quick recognition of a person experiencing Cardiac Arrest and effective implementation of a comprehensive response plan significantly increase the victim's chances of survival.

Therefore, it is essential to be trained to recognize the medical situation, activate the emergency system, perform effective CPR, and have the capability and training to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Ensure that sports facilities, workplaces, educational institutions, among others, where you and your family are regularly present, have a comprehensive emergency response plan in place.