The sudden collapse of a seemingly healthy teenager is every parent’s worst nightmare. While such incidents are rare, doctors warn that they do occur — often due to silent heart conditions that remain undetected for years.
The issue has come into focus following the recent death of a 17-year-old girl in Sharjah, described as active and healthy, who reportedly died due to cardiac arrest. The incident has raised pressing questions among parents about how such tragedies can strike without warning.
Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack
Doctors stress that in teenagers, a sudden collapse is far more likely to be caused by an electrical failure of the heart rather than blocked arteries.
Dr Rahul Chaudhary, Head of Cardiology at International Modern Hospital, explained that sudden cardiac arrest in young people is usually linked to hidden rhythm or genetic conditions.
“Many young people have no symptoms at all. The heart’s electrical system can suddenly become unstable due to genetic or structural issues, sometimes triggered by exercise, stress, or even sleep,” he said.
A heart attack, caused by blocked blood vessels, is extremely uncommon in teenagers.
Hidden conditions can go undetected for years
According to Dr Anil Prahalada Rao Kumar from Aster Hospital Al Qusais, such cases, though uncommon, are seen across the UAE and the wider Gulf region — especially among young athletes.
Doctors commonly identify conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, congenital coronary abnormalities, and in some cases, viral infections affecting the heart.
“These conditions can exist silently without affecting daily life until a sudden event occurs,” Dr Anil said.
Warning signs parents should not ignore
Dr Georgie Thomas, Consultant Cardiologist at Burjeel Hospital, warned that many genetic heart conditions offer subtle clues that are often overlooked.
Red flags include unexplained fainting (especially during exercise), chest pain on exertion, sudden breathlessness, palpitations, seizure-like episodes with normal brain tests, and extreme fatigue. A family history of sudden or unexplained death should also prompt evaluation.
Screening and quick response can save lives
Doctors advise cardiac screening for children involved in competitive sports or those with symptoms or family history. Screening may include physical examination, ECG, and echocardiogram.
In emergencies, every minute matters. Immediate CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), along with calling emergency services, can be lifesaving.
The key message from doctors is awareness, not fear. Sudden cardiac arrest in teenagers is rare — but understanding risks, recognising symptoms, and acting quickly can make all the difference.