Video games are thrilling, intense, and sometimes even heart-pounding. But could they actually be dangerous for some players? A new study suggests that, in rare cases, certain heart conditions could make gaming a potential trigger for serious heart rhythm issues (arrhythmias) in kids and teens.
Researchers looked at three boys (ages 10-15) who experienced sudden fainting (syncope) while playing fast-paced war games. Two of them had undiagnosed heart conditions—long QT syndrome (LQTS) or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)—which can cause dangerous irregular heartbeats. The third boy had a known heart condition and experienced an episode while playing. In each case, the problem happened during moments of extreme excitement—often right before a big win.
So, what does this mean? While these cases are very rare, experts think the rush of adrenaline from gaming—similar to the effect of intense sports—could be a hidden risk for a small group of people with heart rhythm disorders.
💡 What You Should Know:
🔹 If you’ve ever fainted or felt dizzy during gaming or sports, don’t ignore it—get it checked out!
🔹 Physical and mental excitement (not just exercise) can impact heart health, so it’s important to stay informed.
The bottom line? Video games are generally safe, but for those with underlying heart conditions, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. If in doubt, a quick chat with a doctor could help make gaming safer and stress-free!
