[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] A spectator in his 20s who lost consciousness and collapsed while watching the professional baseball game between the LG Twins and SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 4th, raising concerns of cardiac arrest, recovered and was discharged on the 6th.
Mr. Lee, 23, who had visited the stadium with his family that day, suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed while watching the game, prompting an emergency response that initially raised fears of cardiac arrest. He was immediately transferred to the emergency department at Gachon University Gil Hospital and received treatment from Professor Wi Jin of Cardiology in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (HICU).
After detailed examinations, the medical team determined that Mr. Lee had not suffered cardiac arrest. Instead, he had experienced syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness caused by dehydration and low blood pressure due to the extreme heat. No underlying conditions such as heart disease were found. The doctors concluded that the prolonged heat, dehydration, and standing for a long time to cheer likely combined to reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to the fainting episode.
Mr. Lee recovered quickly during hospitalization, and follow-up tests found no unusual results. He was discharged in good health on the 6th. "I am grateful to be discharged in good health thanks to the medical team’s swift treatment," he said. "I hope all baseball fans and players cheering at the stadium, even in this hot weather, can stay healthy and safe throughout the summer."
Professor Wi Jin of Cardiology at Gachon University Gil Hospital, who treated Mr. Lee, explained, "Syncope is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the head temporarily decreases. It can happen to anyone, but it is especially common in the summer." He added, "When temperatures rise, blood vessels expand. If dehydration from heavy sweating is added, blood pressure can drop sharply, reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of fainting."
He stressed that extra caution is needed in hot environments such as outdoor stadiums, especially when standing for long periods or failing to drink enough water.
Before fainting, warning signs often appear, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, cold sweats, or a feeling of weakness in the body, Professor Wi said. "If you notice these symptoms, move immediately to a cool place, lower your body, lie down, rest sufficiently, and rehydrate. Raising your legs above heart level can also help secure blood flow to the brain," he noted.
He also advised, "During the summer, when extreme heat continues, the best way to prevent heat-related illness and fainting is to drink plenty of water regularly before you feel thirsty and reduce prolonged exposure to the heat. When engaging in outdoor activities, it is most important to monitor your physical condition and avoid overexertion if any warning signs appear."
Reporter Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
