In recent years, reports of cardiac arrests among young athletes have emerged with increasing frequency, drawing attention to a troubling phenomenon that transcends age and fitness levels. While sports are often celebrated for promoting health and vitality, the reality is that even the most active and seemingly healthy young individuals can face serious heart-related risks. One famous face that finds himself amid this growing population is Bronny James. In a recent interview with Men’s Health, the 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers player opens up about his cardiac arrest.
Back in July of 2023, Bronny collapsed during practice with his college team at USC, suffering a cardiac arrest. Doctors deduced that Bronny’s health issues were caused by a congenital heart defect. After rehab and being under medical care, almost five months into the season, Bronny made his college basketball debut.
During is interview with Men’s Health, Bronny shared details about his road to recovery and how his life has changed.
“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” he told the outlet. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset.”
Bronny continued, “I have to stay on top of my heart medications, and — I got my heart pillow.” Bronny went on to explain why he uses a heart pillow. “When I coughed, it used to hurt a little bit, but you get this pillow, and when you cough you just hold it so it doesn’t hurt. My days aren’t normal anymore. I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”
Bronny’s parents, LeBron and Savannah James, also have spoken out recently, in a new Netflix’s new docuseries, Starting 5, about their son’s medical issue.
“It was tough,” Savannah teared up while speaking in an interview about that fateful day her son collapsed as a part of the series. “I think we processed it differently. I think at the end of the day, it was just about us supporting each other, and just being super grateful for the outcome.”
James added, “… [the coaching staff at USC is the] reason Bronny is alive now and smiling and thriving and doing what any 19-year-old should be doing, and that’s living out their dream.”
In addition to Bronny, Savannah and LeBron James are also parents to two additional children: son, Bryce, and daughter, Zhuri.
Photo: Bronny James Instagram; LeBron James Instagram