Information from Thong Nhat Hospital (HCMC) on May 9 said that the hospital has just received emergency care for male patient P.T.H (56 years old, living in Tan Binh District) in a state of cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest after playing pickleball.
According to the family, Mr. H. had previously suffered a stroke while playing with a group of friends at a local sports field. Although he was immediately taken to the hospital, he was hospitalized with no pulse and his whole body was purple. After 45 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the patient did not survive.
Specialist Doctor 2 Nguyen Thuy Trang - Head of the Emergency Department, Thong Nhat Hospital said that the patient had a history of high blood pressure, a high risk factor for cardiovascular events when exercising. This case is a warning about the importance of playing sports properly, suitable for personal health and disease.
Just 4 minutes after a cardiac arrest, if blood is not taken to the brain, brain cells will be damaged beyond repair. Therefore, when detecting people showing signs of unconsciousness, calling without answering, it is necessary to suspect cardiac arrest and quickly perform an exothermal forceps in the chest, and at the same time call 115 to receive timely support from professional medical staff, Dr. Trang emphasized.
Doctor Trang also recommends that people with underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc. should have regular check-ups to receive appropriate exercise regimen advice from doctors. Playing sports helps improve cardiovascular health, but it should be done in moderation, avoiding excessive effort, especially in the elderly.
According to experts, pickleball is a medium-intensity sport, popular among middle-aged and elderly people thanks to its high entertainment value and ability to move the whole body. However, in people with underlying cardiovascular disease, any physical activity can become a factor that causes sudden death if not closely monitored for health.
Doctors recommend that, in addition to choosing a suitable sport, people should equip themselves with basic first aid knowledge and be ready to respond in case of emergency. Rapid and proper treatment can help save lives in the "golden time" of emergency cardiac arrest.
