A recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session reveals persistent racial disparities in survival rates for young athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed 641 cases of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes aged 11 to 29 from 2014 to 2023. The findings show that Black athletes and those of other non-White, non-Black races have significantly lower survival rates compared to their White counterparts.
The study found that 57% of Black athletes and 54% of other non-White, non-Black athletes who suffered sudden cardiac arrest during exertion died, compared to 32% of White athletes. Dr. Bradley J. Petek, the study’s first author and a sports cardiologist at Oregon Health & Science University, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that while overall survival rates have improved, the disparities in survival among different racial groups are concerning and warrant further research.
Sudden cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, is the leading medical cause of death in young athletes. The study’s results highlight the need for improved emergency preparedness, including better recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and increased distribution of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring that all athletes, regardless of race, have an equal chance of survival.
See: “Racial disparities persist in survival rates for young athletes with cardiac arrest” (March 31, 2025)