The Jefferson County Coroner has disclosed to FOX6 the official cause of death of Caleb White, a Pinson High School athlete who collapsed at school and passed away in August.
The coroner has determined that White’s cause of death was natural, resulting from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition often abbreviated as HCM.
HCM is a condition that some people may live with for an extended period without experiencing any symptoms. Unfortunately, it can also be fatal. According to UAB, approximately 1 in 300 people have this condition, and it usually remains asymptomatic. However, vigorous exercise can trigger issues, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
Dr. Irfan Asif, Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UAB, notes that HCM is a prevalent cause of cardiac arrest in athletes, accounting for roughly 25-30% of cases.
Although it typically doesn’t display symptoms, HCM can occasionally manifest as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pains, according to Dr. Asif. While genetics do play a role, HCM may go undetected during athletic examinations if the person is asymptomatic.
Dr. Asif emphasizes that there is no screening method that is 100% effective in detecting HCM. He recommends that every sports facility have an emergency action plan in place for cardiac-related events.
“In every sports facility, you should have an emergency action plan that is practiced at least once a year, coordinated with local EMS. The goal is to have an AED (automated external defibrillator) on-site that can be reached within 3-5 minutes of a collapse,” Dr. Asif explained to FOX6.
Dr. Asif further points out that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for athletes, and having an AED plan in place significantly enhances the chances of survival.
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