The Alarming Statistics of SCA in Young People.

In the United States, approximately 2,000 young people under 25 die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. While these cases are considered rare, they represent a significant portion of deaths in this age group. A closer look at the data shows that the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) for those between 14 and 24 is 1.44 per 100,000 people, with rates being slightly lower for younger children. Some recent research suggests the total number of OHCA cases in children could be as high as 23,514 annually, painting a more complete picture of this devastating issue.

Globally, the statistics are less consistent due to variations in reporting and data collection. However, studies from regions like Denmark offer some insight, reporting an incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) at 2.3 per 100,000 people aged 1–35. Broader international estimates for young people between 12 and 39 years old range from 0.5 to 20 per 100,000, which highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive global data.

These numbers are more than just statistics—they represent thousands of lives lost and families forever changed. Raising awareness about SCA and its risk factors is the first step toward a future where more young lives are saved.