The sudden cardiac arrest case that recently drew attention was the death of triathlete Rachel Furtado, 46 years old, who died after training in Brasília last Saturday. The death of an apparently healthy athlete generated surprise and questions about the causes of this type of event.
According to cardiologist and intensivist Stephanie Rizk, who works at Vila Nova Star and Sírio Libanês hospitals, sudden cardiac arrest occurs when a healthy person, with no symptoms whatsoever, suffers an acute event that can culminate in cardiac arrest. It is a disease or condition that arises suddenly and unexpectedly in an asymptomatic patient.
The specialist explains that, in most cases, sudden cardiac arrest is related to heart problems, although vascular cases can also occur, mainly those involving the central nervous system, such as strokes. Even athletes who practice sports like triathlon, known for having strong and lean bodies, may have hidden conditions that are not easily detected.
