(CNN) — Bronnie James has been discharged from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after being treated for sudden cardiac arrest, the hospital said.
“Thanks to the fast and efficient response of USC sports medical staff, Bronnie James was successfully treated for sudden cardiac arrest. He arrived at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center fully conscious, neurologically intact and stable,” Dr. Meriye Chukumerie said in a statement.
“Mr. James was immediately treated by highly qualified staff and released to his home where he is resting. As his evaluation continues, we hope he continues to make progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience and the support of his family. and communities.”
LeBron James tweeted about his son Bronnie James on Thursday for the first time since the 18-year-old went into cardiac arrest earlier this week, thanking well-wishers for sending “love and prayers” to his family.
“We are sorry and I am very grateful. They all did a great job,” wrote the NBA superstar. “Our family is together, safe and sound, and we feel your love. I’ll have more to say when we’re done, but I wanted everyone to know how much your support means to all of us! #JamesGang”
LeBron James (left) poses with his son Bronnie after Sierra Canyon beat Akron St. Vincent to St. Mary’s in a high school basketball game on Saturday, December 14, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: Jay LaPrete / AP
Bronnie James, a freshman on the USC men’s basketball team, suffered a heart attack during practice on Monday and was hospitalized, according to a statement released Tuesday by a family spokesman. According to the statement, James is in stable condition and has been released from the intensive care unit.
Cardiac arrest occurs when electrical interference causes the heart to stop suddenly. It can be fatal if not treated right away, but can be treated with CPR and a defibrillator, according to the American Heart Association.
Sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes is rare, but not always. A 2011 study looking at the sudden death of NCAA student-athletes between 2004 and 2008 found that sudden death related to cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in 45 cases, or about 9 cases each year.
However, Dr. Jonathan Dresner, who specializes in sports cardiology at the University of Washington Medical Center, told CNN that James “represents athletes at the highest risk” for sudden cardiac arrest. Dresner’s research shows that black NCAA athletes playing Division I basketball have a 1 in 2,000 chance of suffering from sudden cardiac arrest each year. According to his research, the risk for a white Division I basketball player is 1 in 5,000.
“Male basketball players and male basketball players, for reasons we don’t fully understand, are by far our highest-risk group of athletes for sudden cardiac arrest,” Dresner said. “In my opinion, everyone should have more reliable and intensive cardiac studies than usual.”
A few months ago, James underwent a heart test as part of the NBA Future Players Program, according to a source familiar with the matter. The evaluation included a transthoracic echocardiogram, which shows blood flow through the heart and heart valves, and an electrocardiogram, which is a recording of the heart’s electrical activity, the source said. Both tests gave normal results.
The 6-foot-2 combo guard graduated from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles this spring, where he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals as a senior. He earned four stars among recruits and excelled at the McDonald’s All-American Game in March with some of the nation’s top high school basketball players.
Experts say it’s difficult to determine exactly what James’ recovery will look like until more is known about the cause of his cardiac arrest and his specific medical condition. But the fact that he was treated immediately and has already been discharged from the intensive care unit bodes well for his recovery, Dresner said.
CNN’s Lauren Mascarenhas, Dakin Andone, Eric Levenson, David Close and Nadia Cunang contributed to this report.