School · Runner's health · 45 s .
Heart: warning signs
Rare, but worth knowing.
Cardiac arrest during a race is rare: in a decade of US marathons and half marathons there were about 0.5 cases per 100,000 runners, more in the marathon than in the half.
Stop and see a doctor if, while exercising or not, you notice chest pain or pressure, fainting, unusual shortness of breath, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or dizziness. A family history of sudden death at a young age is also a reason for a check-up.
If someone collapses and isn't breathing normally: call 112, start chest compressions and ask for a defibrillator. Every minute counts.
Chest pain, fainting or an odd heartbeat: stop and get checked.
Quick check .
If someone collapses and isn't breathing normally, what first?
Then chest compressions and ask for a defibrillator.