Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young People

When most people hear the term sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), they picture an older adult collapsing due to a heart condition. But the reality is that sudden cardiac arrest in young people is more common than many realise, and it can strike without warning.

At Defib Supplies, we’re committed to spreading awareness, supporting prevention, and ensuring life-saving equipment is available where it’s needed most. In this blog, we uncover the truth about SCA in younger age groups and what we can all do to help protect them.

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, preventing blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs. It is not the same as a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the arteries. In cases of SCA, the cause is usually an electrical issue in the heart.

Without immediate treatment, including CPR and defibrillation- the chance of survival drops by 10% with each passing minute.

Can Young People Really Experience SCA?

Yes, and while it is less common in younger people, it does happen, and the consequences can be devastating. According to the British Heart Foundation, 12 young people under the age of 35 die each week in the UK due to undiagnosed heart conditions, many of them from sudden cardiac arrest.

These individuals are often school pupils, university students, young professionals, and amateur or professional athletes. The sudden loss of a seemingly healthy young person is a stark reminder that SCA is not just an older person’s issue.

What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young People?

SCA in younger individuals is often caused by undiagnosed or inherited heart conditions, including:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a thickening of the heart muscle, often found in athletes.

• Long QT syndrome – a disorder of the heart’s electrical system that can lead to dangerous arrhythmias.

• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome – a condition that causes episodes of rapid heartbeat.

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – a rare inherited condition that affects the muscle of the right ventricle.

• Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections.

Some cases also follow trauma, such as commotio cordis, where a blow to the chest (often during sport) disrupts the heart’s rhythm. For many young people, there are no symptoms prior to collapse, which is why preventative screening and emergency preparedness are essential.

The Role of Defibrillators in Saving Young Lives

A defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and delivers a shock if needed. If used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, it can significantly increase the chance of survival.

Public access defibrillators are becoming more common in schools, gyms, town centres, and sports venues. However, many communities still lack adequate coverage, and some devices remain unregistered, making them invisible to emergency services. Always ensure to register your device on The Circuit.

Most AEDs are suitable for children over eight years old, and many devices come with child pads or child mode for younger casualties.

How Can We Protect Young People from SCA?

There are simple and practical steps that schools, sports clubs, and communities can take to improve safety:

1. Install clearly visible defibrillators in accessible locations.

2. Train staff, pupils, and volunteers in CPR and how to use an AED.

3. Support heart screenings for young people, especially those involved in regular or competitive sport.

4. Raise awareness that cardiac arrest can affect people of any age.

Registering your AED on The Circuit , the UK’s national defibrillator network, that ensures that emergency call handlers can direct 999 callers to the nearest device, improving the speed of response.

UK Charities Supporting Young Heart Health

Several UK charities work tirelessly to raise awareness and reduce the number of young people lost to SCA. Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) provides subsidised cardiac screening and supports families affected by young sudden cardiac death.

The Resuscitation Council UK also offers guidance and education around CPR and defibrillation, and supports campaigns like Restart a Heart Day.

The truth is that sudden cardiac arrest in young people is a real and serious risk. It may be less common than in older adults, but its impact is profound and preventable. Education, screening, and access to defibrillators all play a vital role in saving lives.

If you are unsure which defibrillator is best suited to your school, organisation, or sports club, contact our expert team. We’re here to help you find the right solution and ensure your AED is always rescue-ready.