Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025

Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Symptoms Preceding Sports-Related Sudden Cardiac Death in Persons Aged 1-49 Years
Emma Ritsmer Stormholt1, Jesper Svane2,3, Thomas Hadberg Lynge2
1The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Section 2142, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. emma@stormholt.dk.
Purpose Of Review:
Sports-related sudden cardiac death (Sr-SCD) is a leading natural cause of death in young athletes. To prevent Sr-SCD in athletes, it is important to identify individuals at risk. This review sought to summarize the current knowledge of symptoms prior to Sr-SCD in athletes aged 1-49 years.
Recent Findings:
Cardiovascular screening of athletes is a subject of interest. However, the cost of ECG screening in a young population is relatively high compared to potential benefits, and systematic screening of athletes is heavily debated. In the background population, both cardiac and non-specific symptoms are often present prior to SCD. Both cardiac and non-specific symptoms are present in up to 74% prior to Sr-SCD. The main symptoms are syncope, chest pain, palpitations and dizziness. Knowledge of symptoms could potentially be used in combination with non-invasive prediction models to prevent Sr-SCD and treat athletes at risk.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

