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Balaji Balagani: Major Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in Children
Balaji Balagani/LinkedIn
Aug 23, 2026, 16:03

Balaji Balagani: Major Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in Children

Balaji Balagani, Cardiologist in Guntur, GKNM Hospital, shared a post on X:

“Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in Children: Major Causes (as per standard cardiology textbooks such as Braunwald and ESC/AHA guidance)

Sudden cardiac death in children is uncommon, but the most common causes are inherited heart diseases, congenital heart disease, and myocarditis.

Major causes by category

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — The most common structural cause in older children and adolescents.
  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) — An inherited heart muscle disease that can trigger dangerous ventricular arrhythmias.
  • Myocarditis — Viral inflammation of the heart can cause sudden fatal arrhythmias.
  • Long QT syndrome — A genetic electrical disorder that may cause fainting or sudden death.
  • Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) — Exercise- or emotion-triggered dangerous arrhythmias.
  • Brugada syndrome — An inherited rhythm disorder, often during sleep or fever.
  • Wolff–Parkinson – White syndrome with atrial fibrillation — Rarely causes ventricular fibrillation.
  • Congenital heart disease — Especially after repair of conditions like Tetralogy of Fallot or with severe unrepaired defects.
  • Anomalous coronary arteries — A coronary artery arising abnormally can cause sudden death during exercise.
  • Commotio cordis — A blunt chest impact during sports can trigger ventricular fibrillation.
  • Chest pain with exertion
  • Palpitations
  • Family history of sudden death before age 50

These symptoms warrant prompt evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist.”

Balaji Balagani

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Anomalous coronary arteries Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy ARVC Balaji Balagani Blood Braunwald Brugada syndrome Cardiology Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia Commotio cordis Congenital Heart Disease CPVT ESC/AHA guidance HCM Health Heart Hemostasis Hemostasis News Hemostasis Today Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Long QT syndrome Medicine Myocarditis pediatric cardiology SCD sudden cardiac death Wolff–Parkinson
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