Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin recently revealed that he suffered from commotio cordis during a game on January 2nd, which caused his cardiac arrest (TODAY, American Heart Association, Daily Mail, Washington Times, TCTMD). Commotio cordis is a rare medical condition that can occur after a sudden and blunt impact to the chest (American Heart Association). This can result in the heart stopping, leading to cardiac arrest (Buffalo News). Hamlin has now been cleared to return to the field and has used his experience to raise awareness about this condition (Medpage Today, TODAY).
What exactly is commotio cordis? According to the American Heart Association, it is a serious medical condition that can occur after a sudden blow to the chest, usually from a projectile (such as a baseball or hockey puck). The force of impact can cause a disruption in the heart’s normal rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest. This condition is extremely rare and mostly affects athletic individuals, particularly in sports involving projectiles.
As for Hamlin, he experienced this condition during a game and received immediate medical attention. Multiple doctors confirmed commotio cordis as the cause of his cardiac arrest, and he has since been cleared to play. He has also used his experience to raise awareness about commotio cordis, highlighting that it is a rare but serious condition that should not be taken lightly.
In a time when sports injuries have come under increased scrutiny, it is important to recognize the severity of conditions like commotio cordis. While it may be rare, it can have serious consequences, especially if not promptly addressed. It is reassuring to see athletes like Hamlin using their experiences to raise awareness and promote greater understanding of conditions that can affect their health and well-being.
