Video games ‘can trigger sudden cardiac death’ in susceptible kids
Counselling about safe use of electronic gaming should be considered in patients with proarrhythmic cardiac diagnoses, Australian researchers say
Video games can trigger potentially fatal cardiac events in children with pre-existing proarrhythmic conditions, Australian doctors warn after a first-of-its-kind study.
Their analysis of 22 cases of suspected or proven cardiac arrhythmia suggests electronic gaming may not be a safe alternative to sport for at-risk children.
Among the patients, aged 7-16, there were four deaths and another two non-fatal cardiac arrests, the resarchers, led by paediatric cardiologist Dr Claire Lawley, reported in Heart Rhythm.
Seven children had previously received a proarrhythmic cardiac diagnosis, while another 12 were established after the event.
