Syncope as a Warning Symptom of Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes

Clinical evaluation of syncope in the athlete remains a challenge. Although benign mechanisms predominate, syncope may be arrhythmic and precede SCD. Exercise-induced syncope should be regarded as an important alarming symptom of an underlying cardiac disease predisposing to arrhythmic cardiac arrest. All athletes with syncope require a focused and detailed workup for underlying cardiac causes, either structural or electrical. Major aim is to identify athletes at risk and to protect them from SCD. Athletes with potentially life-threatening etiologies of syncope should be restricted from competitive sports.