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Cardiac issues in the young athlete

Susan Cochella1, Christopher Johnson

  • 1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, 375 Chipeta Way, Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. sewc@xmission.com

Current Sports Medicine Reports
|October 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Congenital heart disease in young athletes can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Early detection through improved preparticipation evaluations is crucial for preventing tragic outcomes in sports.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Young athletes face a higher risk of congenital heart disease.
  • Certain congenital heart conditions significantly increase the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).
  • Many SCD-predisposing conditions are asymptomatic and undetected during standard physical exams.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the prevalence of congenital cardiac disease in young athletes.
  • To emphasize the importance of recognizing and diagnosing cardiac conditions that cause sudden cardiac death.
  • To advocate for improved preparticipation screening protocols.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges in asymptomatic young athletes.
  • Evaluation of current preparticipation examination guidelines and forms.

Main Results:

  • Congenital heart disease is a significant risk factor for sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
  • Inadequate preparticipation examinations fail to identify many at-risk individuals.
  • Existing screening forms are often insufficient for detecting cardiac abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians must be vigilant for cardiac causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes.
  • Thorough evaluation and adherence to return-to-play guidelines are essential.
  • Implementing updated, comprehensive preparticipation examination forms is critical for athlete safety.

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