A Michigan teenager who previously disregarded chest pains and heart palpitations recently experienced a cardiac arrest while participating in wrestling. Alexander Bowerson, an 18-year-old three-sport athlete, collapsed during wrestling practice in December. The incident occurred just days before basketball icon LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, also suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during basketball practice. In light of these events, Bowerson is sharing the warning signs he overlooked for years leading up to his own episode.
Bowerson admitted to occasionally feeling chest pains and heart palpitations since middle school, but he never considered them to be significant issues. “I just thought it was normal and that everyone got it,” he told TODAY.com. However, he had previously fainted twice during football games, but dismissed it as exhaustion. In December, while jogging during practice, the chest pain became more severe, causing him to question its normality. He dropped to his knees due to weakness and attempted to point to his heart but was unable to move. Subsequently, he lost consciousness.
During the episode, Bowerson felt as though two angels were present, giving him a sense of reassurance. “Then suddenly, it felt like I spun around and there I was back on the high school floor,” he described. He was resuscitated using a defibrillator, a device that restores a normal heart rhythm through an electric shock.
This incident is just one example of several recent reports of young athletes encountering these life-threatening situations. For instance, in January, Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old player for the Buffalo Bills, suffered cardiac arrest during a game after being tackled. The condition he experienced, commotio cordis, is an extremely rare event with a one-in-200 million chance. The cause of Bronny James’ emergency, however, remains unclear.
Following his collapse, Bowerson was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken. This thickening makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about one in 500 people worldwide have this condition. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young individuals and competitive athletes in North America. Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, fainting, heart murmurs, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath, which can be more noticeable during physical activity, as stated by the Mayo Clinic.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can worsen over time, and the AHA recommends making lifestyle adjustments, such as limiting physical activity, for individuals with this condition. Bowerson spent six days in the hospital after his collapse and had a defibrillator implanted under his skin to monitor his heart’s rhythm and provide an electric shock if necessary. As a result, he can no longer participate in wrestling or contact sports.
Interestingly, Bowerson has now changed his career aspirations and aims to become a cardiologist. He wants to assist individuals who have experienced similar situations to his own.
In addition to Bowerson’s story, it is essential to understand the distinction between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood due to an electrical malfunction, potentially caused by various factors such as heart conditions, choking, electric shocks, or significant blood loss. It is a rapid and life-threatening event that can lead to unconsciousness and death if not promptly treated. On the other hand, a heart attack involves cardiac tissue dying due to a lack of oxygenated blood caused by narrowed arteries and blood clots. Heart attacks can have immediate or gradual onset symptoms, including chest pain, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
Overall, it is crucial to pay attention to potential warning signs and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise. Regular check-ups, especially for young athletes, can help identify underlying conditions and prevent life-threatening situations like the ones experienced by Bowerson and others.
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