Key result
Advances in understanding the genetic and clinical mechanisms of sudden cardiac death in young athletes have led to improved diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies.
Advances in understanding genetic and clinical mechanisms, coupled with screening and emergency response planning, are key to preventing sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
May guide refined athlete screening; leaves open optimal protocols pending prospective validation.
Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of non-traumatic mortality in young (<35 years old) athletes, with recent data suggesting the incidence to be higher than what was previously estimated. The vast majority of deaths are caused by silent hereditary or congenital cardiac disorders. Over the last decade, advances in our understanding of both the genetic and clinical mechanisms underlying these conditions, particularly those associated with a structurally normal heart, have led to advances in diagnosis and management including interventions and lifestyle modifications that aim to minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Coupled with effective screening programs, other strategies such as emergency response planning and the use of automated external defibrillators have also emerged as strategies in preventing and treating sudden cardiac arrest.
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Millar et al. (2012) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Advances in understanding the genetic and clinical mechanisms of sudden cardiac death in young athletes have led to improved diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies.
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