American college basketball player Bronny James is steadily progressing on his path to recovery, and after he had a cardiac arrest last month. James experienced a cardiac arrest during a workout at USC’s camp in Los Angeles on July 24.

Following discussions with top cardiologists around the country, medical professionals think they have identified the primary reason for Bronny’s cardiac arrest.

Also read | Shooting in Pasadena, California: At least 5 shot following fight

The USC freshman, who is the eldest son of LeBron James, the renowned Los Angeles Lakers star, has received a diagnosis of a substantial yet manageable congenital heart condition. This condition is believed to have been the underlying factor behind the cardiac arrest he experienced last month, as revealed in a statement released by the James family.

What is Congenital heart defect?

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are abnormalities in the heart’s structure present from birth. These anomalies arise when a baby’s heart doesn’t develop normally during pregnancy, making them the most prevalent type of birth defect.

Also read | Shooting in Choctaw High School, Oklahoma disrupts game between Del City and Choctaw, 3 injured: Watch Video

CHDs can disrupt the heart’s blood-pumping mechanism, causing blood to flow too slowly, in the wrong direction, or become blocked altogether. These defects come in various forms, affecting one or more parts of the heart. Among the most common types are:

  • Septal defects, often referred to as “hole in the heart,” involve openings in the wall that separates the heart’s left and right sides.
  • Heart valve defects involve issues with the valves responsible for regulating blood flow through the heart.
  • Defects in the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.

Also read | Who is DJ Lagway? 5-star Florida Gators QB commit impresses with record-breaking performance

The severity of congenital heart defects varies, ranging from mild conditions that may never require treatment to life-threatening issues present at birth. The most critical cases, known as critical congenital heart disease, typically demand surgical intervention within the baby’s first year of life. However, milder heart defects may not manifest symptoms until childhood or adulthood.