Edition: U.S. / Global

Restarting the Heart

Published: June 22, 1998

To the Editor:

''Clues Found to Why Chest Blows Kill'' (news article, June 18) provides the answers to questions regarding sports-related, sudden and unexplained death in children. The rarity of the event -- known medically as commotio cordis, or concussion of the heart -- is stressed. Safety measures like safety baseballs, chest protectors and extended shoulder pads are suggested. What's missing is the discussion of treatment.

In fact, a blow to the chest may be sufficient to restart the electrical activity of the heart. However, before anyone tries this, training in basic life support, such as a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is necessary. CPR includes closed chest compression of the heart and mouth-to-mouth respiration should the single blow not succeed. Knowing the cause and how to prevent cardiac arrest is fine, but that is barely enough if it occurs during a Little League game.


Newark, June 18, 1998