What Every Athlete Should Know About Sudden Cardiac Arrest
In her recent article for The Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club’s (HMRRC) The Pace Setter, Capital Cardiology’s Certified Health and Wellness Coach Benita Zahn recapped her return to the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Alongside the celebration of community, effort, and resilience that every race inspires, she shared a sobering truth: 31-year-old runner Charles Rogers collapsed and died on the course. His story, though tragic, opens the door to a vital conversation about heart health, readiness, and response—on and off the racecourse.
In that same piece, Benita spoke with Dr. Lance Sullenberger, a board-certified cardiologist at Capital Cardiology Associates, about the rare but real danger of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in endurance athletes. His message was clear: when someone goes down, seconds matter.
“If you can’t rouse the person, check for breathing and a pulse,” Dr. Sullenberger explained. “If you don’t find either, start CPR—100 compressions per minute—and continue until EMS arrives. That buys precious time for their brain and heart.”
Why Sudden Cardiac Arrest Happens
Sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes is uncommon, but not unheard of. It can stem from undiagnosed heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited disease that causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. During intense exertion, this condition can disrupt electrical signals in the heart, triggering a fatal rhythm if not immediately corrected.
According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the risk of SCA during a marathon is roughly 1 in 150,000. Most fatalities occur in the final stretch of the race when exhaustion and heat stress peak. Men are at higher risk than women. Still, as Dr. Sullenberger points out, this doesn’t capture deaths that happen during training or daily life—those go untracked.
What You Can Do
1. Know your heart.
An annual physical may not always include in-depth cardiovascular screening. That’s why athletes—especially men over 40 or anyone with a family history of heart disease—should consider an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a coronary calcium score test to detect early signs of arterial plaque. These are non-invasive, widely available tools that can flag risk before symptoms appear.
2. Listen to your body.
Unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or irregular heartbeats during exertion should never be brushed off. “Anything that seems out of the norm—get it checked out,” Dr. Sullenberger advises. Trust your instincts. Preventive care is more effective than reactive care.
3. Be prepared to act.
Whether you’re a spectator, fellow runner, or coach, knowing hands-only CPR can save a life. According to the American Heart Association, immediate chest compressions can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. You don’t need to be certified—you just need to be willing to act. Learn the steps here.
Running Smart, Running Strong
Racing is a celebration of the human spirit. But behind the bibs and medals is a body that needs attention, maintenance, and respect. That’s the takeaway Dr. Sullenberger and Benita Zahn want all of us to carry forward—not fear, but awareness. Not hesitation, but preparation.
So whether you’re lining up at your first 5K or your fifth marathon, make sure your heart is in it—literally.
🫀 Read the full article in The Pace Setter
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Sources :
Kim, Jeremy H., Aaron L. Baggish, and Benjamin D. Levine. “Cardiac Arrest during Long-Distance Running Races.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 50, no. 5 (2016): 285–290. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/5/285.
American Heart Association. “Hands-Only CPR.” Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.heart.org/en/cpr/hands-only-cpr.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.” Mayo Clinic. Last modified April 27, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350198.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concerns.
Capital Cardiology Associates does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned in this content. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
