WLWT: Damar Hamlin sends message to Bronny James following cardiac incident

"It still hits you every time you see something like this," he said.

Ahmad said social media and public interest in sudden cardiac arrest among athletes is increasing awareness about the issue.

"We are much more aware of cardiac issues. We are talking more about it," Ahmad said.

He said sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death in young athletes and that among young athletes, sudden cardiac arrest is more common in males and African-Americans.

"If people are aware then they can respond effectively and in a timely fashion," he said. "Before the EMS comes in, it might be a bystander. When an emergency comes in, the first thing that we ask for is 'was there bystander CPR?'"

Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills safety who suffered an on-field cardiac arrest in a game against the Bengals in Cincinnati in January, plans on returning to play in the NFL.

"Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well. Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process," he tweeted.

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Lead photo of Bronny James/Gregory Payan/AP