Final answer:
Commotio cordis is heart failure caused by a relatively mild blow to the chest, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Unlike severe electrical shocks, which cause ventricular fibrillation, commotio cordis disrupts heart rhythm during a critical part of its cycle. Immediate response with an AED is crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Commotio cordis is a medical condition that refers to heart failure due to a relatively mild blow to the chest at a critical timing during the heart's cycle. This condition disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It is different from the effects of a severe electrical shock, which can cause the heart to contract for the duration of the shock and lead to ventricular fibrillation. Commotio cordis is especially concerning in sports where impacts to the chest are possible, such as baseball or hockey, and immediate medical attention with the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is critical for survival.