BOARDMAN, Ohio - Although it doesn't always result in death, sudden cardiac arrest is the top killer of student athletes.

"The more that we can prevent it and find the symptoms that lead us to what is going on, hopefully the more patients that we can save from sudden cardiac arrest," said Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Peter Vande Kappelle.

New legislation passed in Pennsylvania aims at doing just that. By the end of July, coaches, trainers, student athletes and parents will be required to understand the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest.

"Some of the times when the children are having symptoms, like chest pain or the sensation that their heart is beating abnormally fast for their amount of exercise, if they are having trouble breathing or if they are getting dizzy when they exercise, all of those could be signs that they might be at risk for having sudden cardiac arrest," Dr. Vande Kappelle said.

Dr. Vande Kappelle says most people don't know they're at risk unless they display those symptoms although, sometimes, sudden cardiac arrest can happen when a body is at rest.

Usually there are two factors that cause it.

"One is an actual structural defect of the heart, where the heart is too thick. An increased thickness of the heart is the number one cause of sudden cardiac arrest. Also, there could be electrical activity problems with the heart where you are genetically predisposed to have abnormal heart rhythm and so your heart rhythm becomes so fast it can't squeeze and profuse the body it normally would," said Dr. Vande Kappelle.

The new Pennsylvania law will go into effect at the end of July.

If students develop symptoms, they won't be able to play until they're cleared by a doctor. Coaches will also undergo special training each year.