Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during exercise (Sr-SCA) is a rare but significant event in Canada, drawing public and media attention due to its potential fatality.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology analyzed 18,769 cases of SCA across five provinces from 2016 to 2020, with only 1.8% being sports-related. Cardiologist Paul Dorian from the Lee Ka Shing Knowledge Institute highlights that the survival rate for Sr-SCA reached 52%, a substantial increase from previous decades when it ranged from 7-15%. He attributes this improvement to timely medical intervention, stating,
The study found that Sr-SCA patients had an average age of 58 years, with 93.8% being men. Hockey accounted for the highest number of cases but also had the best survival rate (72.2%). Running and ball sports also showed high survival rates (61.5%), while lower rates were observed in cycling (43.4%) and gymnastics (40.0%).
Rapid medical response played a crucial role in survival, as emergency services were called in 75.6% of cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed in 73.6%, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used in 36.1%. The average ambulance arrival time was 6.2 minutes, shorter than in some European countries and Japan, where response times can reach 8-10 minutes.
Despite these positive outcomes, experts emphasize the need to increase AED accessibility at sports facilities. Dorian notes that
Particular attention should be given to middle-aged men returning to sports after a long break. Dorian warns that
While the study had limitations, such as missing data on neurological outcomes and physical fitness, its findings provide valuable insight into Sr-SCA. Cardiologist Mehrdad Golian credits Canada’s high survival rate to efficient emergency services and public engagement in first aid. He advocates for expanded first aid training and AED distribution, which could further enhance survival rates in sports-related cardiac arrests.
