Key result
Athlete SCD is primarily driven by cardiomyopathies in younger athletes and CAD in older athletes.
Why the study?
Sudden cardiac death in athletes is the leading cause of exercise-related mortality and poses significant concern due to the symbolic health and vitality of athletes.
This review summarizes the epidemiology, causes, and prevention strategies for sudden cardiac death in athletes, emphasizing the role of preparticipation screening and adherence to current guidelines.
Supports age-specific screening; leaves open prospective validation of prevention impact on mortality.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes, though rare, is the leading cause of exercise-related mortality and poses significant concern due to the symbolic health and vitality of athletes. This review examines the epidemiology, causes, and prevention strategies of SCD in athletes. SCD, defined as sudden death presumed to be of cardiac origin within one hour of symptom onset, affects athletes variably depending on age, race, and type of sports. Key causes include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in younger athletes, and coronary artery disease (CAD) in older athletes. Ion channelopathies and structural heart diseases also contribute significantly. Preparticipation screening (PPE) involving ECGs, lifestyle adjustments, and medical interventions are critical in prevention. Continuous research and adaptive guidelines are essential for safeguarding athletes against these fatal events. Keywords: sudden cardiac death, athletes, sports, exercise, cardiovascular diseases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, ion channelopathies, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, preparticipation screening, electrocardiogram (ECG), risk factors, prevention strategies.
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Melnyk et al. (2024) conducted a review in Sudden Cardiac Death. Sudden cardiac death in athletes is a rare but leading cause of exercise-related mortality, primarily driven by cardiomyopathies in younger athletes and coronary artery disease in older athletes.
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