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LeBron James’ son Bronny’s cardiac arrest was caused by congenital heart defect
Featured Image Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images / Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

LeBron James’ son Bronny’s cardiac arrest was caused by congenital heart defect

The basketballer's son was rushed to hospital after a medical episode

The cause of Bronny James' cardiac arrest has been revealed a month after he was rushed to hospital.

Bronny, the son of basketball star LeBron James, suffered a cardiac arrest while practicing basketball at the University of Southern California.

Fortunately, the 18-year-old recovered and was moved out of the intensive care unit.

In a statement released at the time, the James family said: "(Monday) while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital."

Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest during basketball practice.
Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping, meaning that blood does not reach the brain and other organs.

This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, as it regularly leads to death.

The cause of Bronny's medical episode has now been revealed.

In a recently released statement, a spokesperson for the James family said: "After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James' sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified.

"It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated."

The statement also addressed his athletic future: "We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future."

"We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family's request for privacy."

Bronny was first rushed to the hospital on July 24, before being discharged three days later.


Dr. Merjie Chukumerije told Entertainment Tonight at the time: "Mr. James was cared for promptly by highly-trained staff and has been discharged home, where he is resting.

"Although his workup will be ongoing, we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support."

In the month since his discharge, Bronny has been enjoying life - attending a Dodgers game and a Drake concert with his famous dad.

The two evidently have a close relationship, as LeBron has previously spoken of how his son helped him grow.

Speaking on Tim Ferriss' podcast, the basketball legend said: "What I've learned is to get the best out of my three kids, I can't approach them all the same way because they all have different personalities.

"They all are different, and I had to find out how to tap into each one of my kids to get the same results but teach them differently, and that's the same with being the leader of a basketball team or a franchise."

Topics: lebron james, Celebrity, Health