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Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes
Andrew D'Silva1, Michael Papadakis1
1St George's University of London, St George's University Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK.
European Cardiology
|October 13, 2018
Summary
Sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) in athletes are often caused by inherited heart conditions in the young or ischemic heart disease in older athletes. Prevention strategies include cardiovascular screening and defibrillators.
Area of Science:
- Sports Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical activity offers significant health benefits but can trigger sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes with underlying conditions.
- SCD in young athletes (≤35 years) is predominantly linked to inherited cardiac diseases.
- Ischemic heart disease is the primary cause of SCD in older athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the epidemiology and causes of SCD in athletes.
- To explore potential prevention strategies for SCD in athletic populations.
- To highlight the importance of accurate post-mortem evaluations and family screening.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SCD in athletes.
- Analysis of causes of SCD based on age groups (young vs. older athletes).
- Discussion of current and proposed preventative measures.
Main Results:
- Lack of comprehensive registries hinders accurate SCD scale definition in athletes.
- Inconsistent post-mortem evaluations complicate cause determination.
- Inherited cardiac diseases are the main cause in young athletes; ischemic heart disease in older athletes.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular screening and automated external defibrillators are key preventative strategies.
- Screening of first-degree relatives is crucial for identifying inherited conditions.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy and registries are needed to reduce SCD in athletes.
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