Death on the Playing Field

Sudden death during activity in children and adolescents is a rare event, considering the larger number of hours spent by this population in recreational and organized physical activities. The shock following such an occurrence frequently results in the family and physician's questioning whether the death could have been avoided. Common misconceptions are (1) that the physical fitness of a child correlates with the condition of the heart, and (2) that cardiac disorders responsible for sudden death give ample symptoms or clues to forecast these tragedies. This article discusses the more common disorders that cause sudden death during exercise, and addresses what, if any, practical measures can be taken to prevent it.