LeBron James’ oldest son, Bronny, had a cardiac arrest during basketball practice at the University of Southern California. Medics treated Bronny at the scene before he was transported to the local hospital. A spokesperson for the James family has announced the 18-year-old “is now in stable condition.”
Upon his arrival, hospital staff placed the young athlete in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, he has since been placed “in stable condition and [is] no longer in ICU.”
TMZ was the first to report the incident. Sources informed the outlet that James experienced cardiac arrest in the early morning. A call to 911 was made at 9:26 a.m. to report the young ball player had a medical emergency. Those sources informed TMZ the 18-year-old had been unconscious when he was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Difference Between Cardiac Arrest
Many people associate cardiac arrests with heart attacks. However, the two differ greatly. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. Afterward, the blood stops flowing to the rest of the body.
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood. The longer it takes to restore the blood flow to the area, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. The main cause of a heart attack is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The less common cause is a sudden contraction or severe spasm of a coronary artery. This can stop blood flow to the heart muscle.
Symptoms and Statistics
An individual could be in cardiac arrest if they:
- Suddenly collapse and lose consciousness (pass out).
- Stop breathing or gasp for breath.
- Is unresponsive to shaking or shouting.
- Has no pulse.
Every year, more than 356,000 individuals experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the U.S. Roughly 60% to 80% of those individuals pass away before they reach the hospital. Those who survive a cardiac arrest could have:
- Injury to their internal organs.
- Brain injury.
- Psychological distress. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Bronny James’ Experience
As the ambulance rushed James to the hospital they had their lights and sirens going. This is called “Code 3: Lights and Sirens.” Shortly after leaving the Galen Center where the players at USC practice, the ambulance arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
This is the second time in a year the medical staff at USC has had to deal with a cardiac arrest. The first occurred last summer when Vince Iwuchukwu collapsed during practice. USC athletic trainers were able to revive Iwuchukwu and he made a full recovery. Six months later, Iwuchukwu was back on the court.
In a statement, the family shared their wish “to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.”
Many Hope for a Fast Recovery
Bronny James is young and healthy. Therefore, many people feel he will make a full recovery and be back on the court soon.
Recently, Bronny James has committed to the Trojans. He is expected to follow his father’s footsteps and play in the NBA.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CDC: Heat Attack
The Los Angeles Times: Bronny James suffers cardiac arrest at USC workout and is in stable condition
CDC: Cardiac Arrest
NPR: Bronny James, LeBron’s oldest son, suffered cardiac arrest during practice
TMZ: Bronny James Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Workout at USC
Top and Featured Image by Foxlifevisuals Courtesy of Wikimedia – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of slgckgc’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
