Safeguarding Young Athletes: Understanding, preventing heart conditions: Dr Sushil
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: To strengthen their campaign further to aware masses about the ill effects of Cardiovascular Diseases Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma conducted a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp in collaboration with Sikh Unity Forum Poonch, Rahul Dravid Cricket Academy and Committee of Char Sahibzade at Sports Stadium to commemorate Safar-E-Shahadat Chaar Sahibzaade, with more emphasis on Physical activity to reduce the cardiac mortality and morbidity.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil said that Young athletes face numerous physical and mental challenges as they strive to excel in their sports. While physical activity generally promotes cardiovascular health, certain underlying conditions can pose significant risks, sometimes leading to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Cardiovascular conditions in young athletes are rare but often serious, requiring a proactive approach to prevention, detection, and management. Several cardiovascular conditions can affect young athletes, ranging from structural abnormalities to electrical disorders. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common and serious conditions, characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle that can obstruct blood flow. Another ,critical condition is congenital coronary artery anomalies, where abnormal coronary artery development can restrict blood flow during exertion.
He elaborated that Electrical abnormalities, such as long QT syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm, increasing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Additionally, myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by viral infections, can lead to sudden cardiac events, especially during intense physical activity. While these conditions can be asymptomatic, they may also manifest as warning signs, including chest pain, fainting, or palpitations during exercise. Participation in sports offers young athletes numerous physical, mental, and social benefits. However, underlying heart conditions can pose significant risks, potentially leading to serious outcomes like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). While these events are rare, prevention and early detection are essential to ensuring the safety of young athletes.
He added that the first line of defense against heart-related issues in young athletes is a thorough pre participation screening.
“This involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. The medical history should assess personal symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath during exercise, as well as family history of cardiac diseases or sudden death. Physical examinations should include listening for heart murmurs, checking blood pressure, and assessing for any physical signs of cardiovascular issues,” he said.
Dr Sushil Sharma in his concluding remarks told that preventing heart conditions in young athletes requires a multifaceted approach that includes comprehensive screening, education, access to life-saving equipment, and promotion of healthy habits.
“Heart conditions in young athletes, though rare, demand attention to ensure their safety during sports participation. Early detection and timely intervention not only save lives but also empower young athletes to pursue their passions with confidence and well-being. Ultimately, a proactive and collaborative approach among athletes, families, and medical professionals is key to safeguarding the health of the next generation of athletes, Dr Sushil said.
Organizing Committee of the Camp Onkar Singh Baghi (President Sikh Unity Forum Poonch), Adv Sunil Sharma (President Bar Association Poonch), Naresh Chander (Ex- Councillor), Harcharan Singh Khalsa, Parvez Ahmad Afridi, Imran, Mohinder Singh ( Ex Councillor), Balwinder Singh Baghi (Chairman DGPC), Parvinder Singh (Ex Councillor), Matinder Pal Singh ( Hockey Coach) , Hazara Singh , Jugal Kishore , Surjan Singh , Jatinder Pal Singh, Nirjyote Singh and Manmohan Singh (Sonu) appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health check up camp in their area for welfare of the society .
Others who were part of this camp includes Dr Parvez Khan (CMO Poonch), Dr Shahbaz Khan, Dr Pallavi Sharma and Dr Amarpreet Singh.
Paramedics and volunteers includes Rajkumar, Rahul Vaid, Rohit Nayyar, Vikas Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Gourav Sharma, Amnish Datta, Paramveer Singh, Harsh Bali, Ritik Sharma, Shaida Parveen, Rubina, Basharat Anjum, Anil Sharma, Sumit Sharma, Ajit Pal Singh, Vikram Sharma, Droub Sharma, Randhir Singh and Nirvair Singh Bali.
