Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of NBA star LeBron James, is in stable condition after experiencing a cardiac arrest during basketball practice at the University of Southern California (USC). A family spokesperson confirmed that Bronny is out of the ICU and receiving treatment. Cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of sudden death among college athletes, particularly males and basketball players. A 2011 study found that cardiovascular incidents accounted for 75% of sudden deaths among college athletes from 2004 to 2008. Male basketball and football players have the highest risk of sudden cardiac death in the NCAA.
Bronny James had committed to playing for USC's basketball team starting in the fall, and his cardiac arrest raises concerns about his future in the sport. While some professional athletes have recovered and continued their careers after experiencing cardiac arrest, there is no guarantee of full recovery.
Cardiac arrest is a rare but catastrophic event, and it is devastating for the athlete, their family, teammates, and fans. Common causes of cardiac arrest in athletes include thickened heart muscle, coronary artery disease, inherited diseases, and inflammation of the heart muscle.
Immediate medical intervention is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest, including CPR to maintain blood flow and the use of a defibrillator to restore a healthy heart rhythm. The survival rate for cardiac arrest cases outside of the hospital is only 8%.
The cause of Bronny James' cardiac arrest is currently unknown. The James family has requested privacy, and further updates will be provided when available.