Death during recreational exercise in the State of Rhode Island

From January 1, 1975 to May 1, 1982, 81 individuals died during or immediately after recreational exercise in the State of Rhode Island. Deaths occurred during a variety of activities, but the majority of deaths occurred during golf (23%), jogging (20%), and swimming (11%). Atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (ASHD) was the presumed cause of 88% of the deaths, primarily in subjects over age 29 with known cardiac abnormalities. Only 7% of ASHD victims had no relevant medical history or ASHD risk factors and were considered healthy by their families and physicians. In contrast, deaths in young subjects were rarely associated with ASHD or prior knowledge of cardiovascular disease. Only six deaths in individuals aged 29 or younger occurred during the study period. These deaths were associated with congenital cardiovascular disease (N = 2), valvular heart disease (N = 1), hemorrhagic gastritis (N = 1), idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy (N = 1), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with ASHD (N = 1). A diagnosis was made before death only in the individual with valvular disease. We conclude that death during recreational exercise is predominantly due to ASHD and occurs in men with recognized ASHD risk factors, relevant medical histories, or known disease. Death during exercise in asymptomatic subjects is rare and relatively more frequent in younger age groups.