Heart rhythm : the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society
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Heart Rhythm
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Sudden death due to low-energy blunt trauma to the precordium (commotio cordis) has been described with a variety of sporting objects. However, the risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) relative to the shape of the impact object is not known. ⋯ The shape of the projectile markedly influences the risk of VF from chest wall impact. This effect is likely mediated via a greater increase in left ventricular pressure with smaller diameter objects. Spreading the impact force over a larger area may decrease the risk of sudden death and has implications for the design of protective athletic equipment.