Why young people die while running
Sudden cardiac death, when it occurs, is often due to an unexpected loss of heart function. But there are precautions one can take. speaks to a consultant cardiologist
AFORM Four student from SMK Rancha-Rancha, Labuan died while competing in a sprint event last month. Norsahfiza Jaratin, 16, was running the 200m race when she collapsed about 20 metres from the finishing line. The 8.40am incident took place at the Labuan Matriculation College sports field. The Labuan Health Department has denied that her death was due to heat stroke.
Last April, Matt Campbell, 29, collapsed 36 kilometres into the London Marathon. He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital but was later pronounced dead. A former contestant of MasterChef: The Professionals, Campbell had, two weeks earlier, completed the Manchester Marathon in under three hours.
In India, 22-year-old Varun Kumar died while working out in a gym at his workplace in Madhapur. A regular at the gym, Varun began sweating profusely after a short workout session. He was taken to hospital after he collapsed but was pronounced dead soon after.
These are just a few cases of sudden death among people who had either taken part in a sporting event or were involved in strenuous physical activity.
Defined as sudden cardiac death, it is due to sudden loss of heart function. When the heart is unable to pump blood to the rest of the body, it leads to cardiac arrest, which usually occurs within one hour of onset of symptoms.