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Can an athlete have too much ticker? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in young athletes

Nicholas M Fitzgerald1, Megan Sherwood, Dominic A Fitzgerald

  • 1University of New South Wales Medical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sudden cardiac death in young athletes is often caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Screening for HCM can reduce mortality but incurs substantial economic costs, necessitating a balanced approach to athlete safety and healthcare resources.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rare but severe risk in adolescent and young adult athletes.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition, is the leading cause of SCD in this population.
  • HCM is a manageable condition with early diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present evidence and arguments for and against screening for HCM in athletes.
  • To discuss current screening strategies employed in Europe and North America.
  • To outline management strategies for HCM, illustrated with a case study.

Main Methods:

  • Review of evidence regarding HCM screening in athletes.
  • Analysis of arguments supporting and opposing current screening protocols.
  • Presentation of a clinical case to illustrate management.

Main Results:

  • Screening and early diagnosis of HCM have demonstrably reduced mortality rates in athletes.
  • Current screening strategies differ between Europe and North America.
  • Screening programs for HCM are associated with significant economic costs.

Conclusions:

  • While screening effectively reduces SCD mortality, its high economic cost requires careful consideration.
  • Balancing the benefits of early detection against financial implications is crucial for implementing effective HCM screening programs.
  • Further evaluation of screening strategies and management protocols for HCM in athletes is warranted.

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