Sports-related out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK predominantly affected males (91%, mean age 43.2 years), with online media reports estimating a 62% survival rate.
Systematic Review (n=578)
Survival rates for sports-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK appear higher than the general population, though exact outcomes are difficult to establish due to limited data and potential under-reporting.
AbstractObjective Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCAs) occur at sporting events. In the United Kingdom (UK), the outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a systematic literature review to establish the outcomes of OOHCA associated with sports in the UK, alongside a literature search of online media. Methods PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 (PROSPERO CRD42024557120). Data were extracted relating to demographics, sports, medical care received, and outcomes. A quality review was undertaken with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In addition, an online media search of Google News and BBC News between June 2021 and October 2025 was performed, with similar data extracted. Results From 10,026 studies, 12 studies were included, totaling 578 patients. Most were male (91%), with a mean age of 43.2 years. Limited data were presented regarding the actual OOHCA event, for example, presenting rhythm. Twelve patients were detailed as having a full neurological recovery. Postmortem data suggested that cardiomyopathy and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome were common causes. In addition, 82 OOHCAs (95% male) were identified from the media search, with 29% younger than 40 years and an estimated survival rate of 62%. Conclusion The exact outcomes of OOHCA associated with sports in the UK are difficult to establish, with the incidence potentially under-reported. Survival rates do seem to be higher than the general population, based mainly on online media evidence. A prospective data collection tool would allow a greater understanding of the outcomes, incidence, and contributing factors for a UK population, to help plan prehospital medical input.
Morton et al. (Wed,) conducted a systematic review in Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in sporting events (n=578). Sports-related out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK predominantly affected males (91%, mean age 43.2 years), with online media reports estimating a 62% survival rate.