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Syncope and near syncope in competitive athletes.
Balakrishnan Natarajan1, Vineet Nikore
1MacNeal Hospital Sports Medicine Fellowship, 550 West Webster, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. sportsmedicine@sbcglobal.net
Current Sports Medicine Reports
|October 28, 2006
Summary
Syncope is uncommon in athletes but can stem from various causes. Identifying cardiac syncope is crucial to prevent sudden death and guide athletic participation restrictions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Syncope (fainting) is common in the general population but rare in athletes.
- Causes of syncope are diverse, including benign neurocardiogenic syncope and potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between benign and life-threatening causes of syncope in athletes.
- To highlight the importance of identifying athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death.
Main Methods:
- Review of syncope causes in athletes.
- Emphasis on clinical evaluation including history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram.
Main Results:
- Neurocardiogenic syncope, often due to reduced venous return, is the most common cause and typically not life-threatening.
- Cardiac syncope may arise from mechanical or structural issues, posing a risk of sudden death.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive evaluation can distinguish benign from critical syncope causes in athletes.
- Early identification of athletes with cardiac syncope is essential for appropriate management and restriction from sports to prevent sudden death.
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