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18-year-old Bronny James was practicing with his college teammates when he suddenly collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest.
Doctors discovered that James has a significant Congenital Heart Defect.
The condition “can and will be treated,” the James family said in a statement.
“After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified. It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated,” a James family spokesperson said.
“We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future. We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy.”
The emergency 911 phone call of the incident was released last month. The caller said, “Listen, listen, listen to me. Get an ambulance here now.”
“All right, sir, we’re going to send help,” the dispatcher responded. “Don’t hang up, sir. Don’t hang up.” You can listen here:
Bronny James has been released from the hospital and is back home four days after the 18-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during basketball practice. @mattgutmanabc has the latest on his condition and newly-obtained audio of the 911 call from the incident. pic.twitter.com/seSpF0MenQ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 28, 2023
The dispatcher asked if there was a medical professional present. “No, there’s no doctor,” the caller replied.
The seriousness of the emergency reached “Code 3,” meaning Bronny was unconscious and required urgent care. A 911 call was made at 9:26 AM Monday from USC’s Galen Center. Bronny was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
The James family released a statement at the time, saying, “Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital.”
Bronny was released from the hospital after one day.
“I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers,” the NBA star said. “We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!”
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) suffered by a teenager should be incredibly rare and it is a life-threatening emergency.
It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating and it can happen to anyone. It is more common in young people who have underlying heart conditions.
It is still important to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms, so that you can seek help if necessary.
Risk factors for SCA in teenagers include inherited heart conditions. Some heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome, are inherited and can increase the risk of SCA.
Personal or family history of SCA is another factor. If you or someone in your family has a history of SCA, you are at an increased risk.
If you have a family history of sudden unexplained death in childhood, you are also at an increased risk. If you have any symptoms of heart problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, you should see a doctor to rule out an underlying condition.
Bronny James committed to play at USC while ranked 33rd in his class. He was named a McDonald’s All-American earlier this year. He is eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft.
