Commotio Cordis

This is a rare and serious heart issue that can affect young, healthy people. It's triggered by a sudden, blunt impact to the chest. If this happens at just the right time during the heartbeat cycle (and in just the right place on the lower left side of the heart), it affects the heart's electrical signals. These are the signals that control the heartbeat. With commotio cordis, the heart muscle begins to flutter. The person's blood stops circulating properly. They lose consciousness. We call this "cardiac arrest." Without fast medical help, they will die.