Commotio cordis is a rare heart problem caused by a blow to the chest during the repolarization phase, which can cause the heart to stop and lead to death. It is most common in youth sports, but can also occur in traffic accidents. Timely treatment is crucial, and chest protectors can help prevent it.
Commotio cordis is an extremely rare heart problem in which a patient’s heart goes into fibrillation following a blow to the chest at just the wrong time. The fibrillation will cause the patient to lose consciousness and she can die if timely treatment is not provided. Doctors most commonly see commotio cordis during youth sporting events, as athletes are more at risk of blows to the chest and young athletes have flexible chest walls, making it possible to disrupt the heart rhythm with a blow that may not be dangerous to an adult . Sometimes collisions with steering wheels in traffic accidents can cause similar damage.
For commotio cordis to occur, the impact must be in a very small area of the chest, where it can disrupt heart rhythms by stopping the heart. It must also occur during the repolarization phase, as the heart is in the transition from pumping blood to receiving deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body. The specific timing and placement required for this to happen make it very rare; many athletes experience blows to the chest with no ill effects because they occur at an acceptable time or in a safe area of the chest.
It is possible to recover from fibrillation if provided with timely medical attention. Whenever someone collapses and appears to have no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be provided. If an automated external defibrillator is available, it can be used to control the heart rhythm and prepare for a shock to force the heart back into action. Many sports fields have such devices so that bystanders can provide emergency medical assistance. Paramedics can also use their own equipment upon arrival, but with heart rhythm disruptions, every second counts and whoever is present shouldn’t have to wait for first responders to arrive.
After commotio cordis, a patient who receives treatment and recovers their normal heart rhythm should have no ill effects, although their chest may be bruised. A doctor may recommend an evaluation when in doubt, and it is important to be aware that this condition is not the fault of a pre-existing heart problem or an indicator that the patient will have heart problems in the future.
In case a patient does not receive treatment for commotio cordis in time, they will die. Athletes, coaches and family members can deal with the risks of this rare injury by wearing chest protectors during games, being conscientious about avoiding blows to the chest, and responding promptly if someone falls onto the field and appears to be in trouble.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
