Heart Conditions Linked to Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children

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Many heart conditions that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest are present at birth; others develop during childhood. There is no standard of care to screen children for heart conditions. Discussing your child’s medical and family history with a pediatrician is crucial. It’s also important to understand the risks and warning signs. These conditions are detectable and treatable. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Common Electrical (Rhythm) Conditions:

These affect how the heart beats.

Brugada Syndrome – an electrical disorder that affects the heart’s lower chambers and can cause dangerous rhythms. It may lead to fainting or sudden cardiac arrest, sometimes without warning. Brugada is often inherited, though some families have no known history.

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) – an inherited electrical disorder triggered by exercise or intense emotion. The heart is structurally normal, but adrenaline can provoke life-threatening rhythms. Often first appears in childhood.

Long QT Syndrome – an electrical disorder that can cause dangerous rhythms, sometimes triggered by exercise or startle.

Short QT Syndrome – an inherited electrical disorder similar to Long QT but in the opposite direction. It can increase risk of dangerous heart rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest.

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome – an extra electrical pathway that can cause rapid heartbeats.

Common Structural Conditions:

These affect how the heart is formed or how it pumps.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy(ARVC) – a genetic condition where heart muscle is gradually replaced by fatty or scar tissue, increasing risk of dangerous rhythms, particularly during exercise.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy – an enlarged, weakened heart that does not pump effectively. It can be inherited or develop after infection and may increase risk of heart failure or dangerous rhythms.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – thickened heart muscle that can disrupt normal pumping, especially during intense activity.

Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart, often after a viral infection.

Related Topics

Go Back

Many heart conditions that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest are present at birth; others develop during childhood. There is no standard of care to screen children for heart conditions. Discussing your child’s medical and family history with a pediatrician is crucial. It’s also important to understand the risks and warning signs. These conditions are detectable and treatable. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Common Electrical (Rhythm) Conditions:

These affect how the heart beats.

Brugada Syndrome – an electrical disorder that affects the heart’s lower chambers and can cause dangerous rhythms. It may lead to fainting or sudden cardiac arrest, sometimes without warning. Brugada is often inherited, though some families have no known history.

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) – an inherited electrical disorder triggered by exercise or intense emotion. The heart is structurally normal, but adrenaline can provoke life-threatening rhythms. Often first appears in childhood.

Long QT Syndrome – an electrical disorder that can cause dangerous rhythms, sometimes triggered by exercise or startle.

Short QT Syndrome – an inherited electrical disorder similar to Long QT but in the opposite direction. It can increase risk of dangerous heart rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest.

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome – an extra electrical pathway that can cause rapid heartbeats.

Common Structural Conditions:

These affect how the heart is formed or how it pumps.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy(ARVC) – a genetic condition where heart muscle is gradually replaced by fatty or scar tissue, increasing risk of dangerous rhythms, particularly during exercise.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy – an enlarged, weakened heart that does not pump effectively. It can be inherited or develop after infection and may increase risk of heart failure or dangerous rhythms.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – thickened heart muscle that can disrupt normal pumping, especially during intense activity.

Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart, often after a viral infection.

Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

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Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

Powered by Hopeworks Technology Solutions

Jake Berman

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I was in the marching band and liked to hike and rock climb. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. After my procedure, I kept doing the same things.”

Whitney Jones

Whitney’s commitment to heart health advocacy began at 10 years old when she and her mother, Rayna, were diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome during a Simon’s Heart screening at Downingtown West High School. Despite the diagnosis, Whitney pursued her passion for cheerleading and continued to thrive in the sport through her college years at St. Joseph’s University. After graduating, Whitney joined Stryker Instruments as the Senior Specialist for Off-Site Meeting and Events, where she skillfully orchestrates events that promote health and medical innovation. Further extending her impact, Whitney is an active member of the Simon’s Heart Young Professionals Committee, while her mother Rayna contributes her expertise on the Board of Directors.

Katie Asper

“I attended a heart screening at Upper Dublin High School when I was ten. I played soccer. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome and had an ablation to fix the problem. I attend Temple University.”

Matthew Green

“I attended a heart screening in Mason, Ohio, when I was ten. I participated in baseball, basketball, and diving. I was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect. I had surgery to repair the hole and started wearing a protective shirt during activity. I am graduating from Miami University.”

Valerie Krawitz

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I played baseball, soccer, and track. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome and an atrial septal defect. I had heart surgery to repair the hole and I take medicine for the Long QT. I can’t play competitive sports like I once did, but found other activities. Next year, I’m attending Penn State University.”

Drew Harrington

“I attended a heart screening at Radnor High School when I was ten. I played lacrosse, tennis, and basketball. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. I used to feel my heart beat really fast, but just assumed it was fine. Coincidentally, on Simon’s 7th birthday, I had a procedure called an ablation. Today, my heart is fine and I attend the University of Richmond.”

Alaysia Keeley

“I attended a heart screening at Norristown High School when I was ten. I played softball and enjoyed going to the mall with my friends. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. I had to stop playing sports and drinking soda. Now, I take medication and live a normal life.”

Kyle McCabe

“I attended a heart screening at Norristown High School when I was ten. I played baseball, basketball, and football. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. I stopped playing sports to protect my heart, but I still manage to have fun.”

Melissa Fair

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I loved dancing and hanging out with my friends. I was diagnosed with Partial Anomolous Pulmonary Venous Return and Atrial Septal Defect. The doctor told me that my life would have been cut short if I hadn’t found out. I’m graduating from Penn State University this year.”

Zach Steffens

“I attended a heart screening at Stillman Elementary School in Tenafly, N.J., when I was fourteen years old. I love running, Tae Kwon Do, and Armenian cultural dancing. I was diagnosed with a rare congenital defect called ALCAPA (Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery). I had open-heart surgery and recovered well. One month later, I suffered a cardiac arrest and an automated external defibrillator (AED) saved my life. I now have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and am healthier than ever. I will be attending The College of New Jersey and majoring in biomedical engineering.”

Annie FitzPatrick

“I went into sudden cardiac arrest at a local convenience store when I was 19 years old. My heart stopped and the only reason I am alive today is because an AED was readily available. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome shortly after and was introduced to Darren and Phyllis with Simon’s Heart. I have been an active volunteer ever since. I went on to graduate Cum Laude from Drexel University with a double major in Business Analytics and Marketing and now work at a leading chemical company.”

Maeve Quinn

"I had a sudden cardiac arrest during softball tryouts at my high school. I was 15 years old. Thanks to the quick thinking of my coach and athletic trainer, they started doing CPR and using an AED immediately. This helped save my life. I had an implantable defibrillator surgically placed in case this happens again. I volunteer to educate people on the importance of screenings, learning CPR and the use of AEDs. Anyone can save a life like mine! I am planning on going to college for nursing."