Sudden Death Following Exercise; a Case Series
Fares Najari1, Alimohammad Alimohammadi2, Parisa Ghodrati3
1Faculty Member of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
Emergency (Tehran, Iran)
|June 9, 2016
Summary
Sudden death in athletes is often due to cardiovascular issues. This study analyzed 9 exercise-related sudden death cases in Tehran, finding most victims were young males, highlighting the need for screening symptomatic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Sports Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Sudden death is defined as unexpected death within an hour of symptom onset.
- Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause, accounting for over 75% of sudden deaths in athletes.
- This study examines autopsy results of sudden deaths following exercise in Tehran from 2009-2014.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report autopsy findings in cases of sudden death associated with physical activity.
- To identify demographic and etiological factors contributing to exercise-related sudden death.
- To evaluate the utility of screening for common causes of sudden cardiac events.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of cases registered as sudden death post-exercise at the Tehran forensic center (2009-2014).
- Retrospective collection of demographic data, medical history, autopsy, and toxicology findings.
- Descriptive analysis of the gathered data.
Main Results:
- Nine eligible cases (88.9% male, mean age 28.66 years) were identified.
- Sudden death occurred most frequently after football (44.4%).
- Only 33.3% of cases presented with warning signs like chest pain or syncope; one case had a family history of sudden death.
Conclusions:
- Most sudden death victims are asymptomatic prior to the event.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms during physical activity (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness) require screening.
- Screening should focus on common causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes.
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