A cardiac arrest in a 13-year-old boy from Ghansoli village who was a student of Navi Mumbai Municipal school number 76 and was away for school picnic at Imagica Adventure park in Khopoli, has made many parents anxious and worried for the health of their children. The incident happened on Tuesday evening when the child, Ayush Singh, who was sitting on a bench after enjoying the rides, suddenly collapsed and died.
The incident is deeply concerning and raises important questions about paediatric cardiac health and the potential risks associated with high-adrenaline activities and extreme weather conditions. While such incidents in children are rare, paediatric cardiologists suggest that undiagnosed heart conditions, extreme heat exposure, dehydration, and the intense adrenaline rush from thrill rides could have played a role.
Speaking to various pediatric cardiologists, Free Press Journal tries to understand what could have possibly gone wrong with the child.
Dr Bhushan Chavan, Senior Consultant in Pediatric Interventional Cardiology at Apollo Hospital said, “One of the most likely causes in such cases is an undiagnosed congenital heart condition, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Long QT syndrome, or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). These conditions may remain unnoticed until a triggering event—such as physical exertion, emotional excitement, or a sudden adrenaline surge—causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that leads to cardiac arrest. Another possibility is an anomalous coronary artery, a condition where the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart are abnormally positioned, making them prone to compression during periods of increased heart rate.”
Dr Snehal Kulkarni, Director of Paediatric Cardiology at Fortis Hospital Mulund too opined that sudden death in this age group always has a possibility of cardiac event. “It can be caused due to abnormal rhythm disorder, increased pulmonary pressures or hypertrophy of cardiac chambers. Some children may have experienced certain symptoms previously, especially during exercise. In the absence of previous symptoms, other factors such as excessive heat without proper hydration also can lead to syncopal episodes.” She further explained that high temperatures may put stress on a child's cardiovascular system by causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and elevated heart rates. In children who are vulnerable, the adrenaline rush from fast-paced rides may cause arrhythmias or other cardiac events by raising blood pressure and heart rates even further.
Dr. Amit Singh, Consultant, Cardiologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai said, “As a cardiologist, I believe it's crucial to understand the potential causes and preventive measures for such devastating occurrences.” While uncommon, sudden cardiac death in children can result from several underlying conditions, Dr Singh opined that congenital heart defects, often present from birth, may remain undetected until a triggering event. “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, characterized by abnormal heart muscle thickening, is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. Other potential causes include coronary artery anomalies, where blood vessels supplying the heart,” Dr Singh added. He further explained that environmental factors at water parks may exacerbate underlying conditions. The combination of excitement, physical exertion, and sudden temperature changes when moving between heated areas and cold water can trigger cardiac events in vulnerable individuals. “Dehydration in hot weather further strains the cardiovascular system,” Dr Singh said.
Less commonly, myocarditis (heart inflammation) from recent viral infections can weaken the heart. In rare instances, blunt chest trauma from collisions or falls at such facilities could trigger commotio cordis, where chest impact during a vulnerable moment in the cardiac cycle causes dangerous arrhythmias.
“Prevention requires a multi-faceted approach. Regular pediatric check-ups with appropriate cardiac screening are essential. Parents should be alert to concerning symptoms: unexplained fainting, chest pain during exercise, extreme shortness of breath, or family history of early cardiac deaths,” Dr Singh added.
“This heartbreaking incident highlights the need for greater awareness and preparedness regarding paediatric cardiac health. While amusement parks are designed to provide excitement and joy, it is essential to balance thrill with safety. Schools and parents should consider pre-participation cardiac screenings for children engaging in high-adrenaline activities, as many life-threatening heart conditions go undiagnosed until a tragic event occurs,” Dr Chavan said adding, “Amusement parks should also improve their medical preparedness by ensuring access to first-aid stations, AEDs, and trained medical professionals who can handle emergencies efficiently. Public education on recognising early symptoms of cardiac distress can also help prevent such tragedies.”
The doctors have also suggested precautionary measures to be taken while heading for an adventure trip.
Know the Warning Signs – If a child experiences dizziness, chest pain, unusual fatigue, or fainting, they should avoid rides and seek immediate medical attention.
Medical Screening for High-Risk Kids – Children with a family history of sudden cardiac arrest, fainting episodes, or known heart conditions should undergo ECG and echocardiography screenings before participating in high-adrenaline activities.
Take Frequent Breaks – Encourage rest in shaded areas, avoid continuous exposure to extreme heat, and allow the body to cool down between rides.
Monitor Heart Rate and Breathing – Parents should observe children for unusual breathlessness or rapid heart rate post-ride, which could indicate cardiac stress.
Amusement Park Medical Preparedness – Parks should have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at multiple locations and trained personnel ready to respond to cardiac emergencies.
When known of heart condition- parents should speak with their pediatric cardiologist before going for an adventure trip when the heart condition, if any, in known.