Key result
The sudden cardiac death rate among young US athletes in 2021-2022 (83 cases per year) was comparable to pre-pandemic estimates, providing no evidence to substantiate a link to COVID-19 vaccination.
Why the study?
A link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and a purported rise in sudden cardiac arrest and death among athletes had been suggested by lay people and medical professionals.
Does COVID-19 vaccination increase the rate of sudden cardiac death in young athletes compared to pre-pandemic estimates?
Observational (n=1,653)
Does COVID-19 vaccination increase the rate of sudden cardiac death in young athletes compared to pre-pandemic estimates?
The rate of sudden cardiac death among young US athletes in 2021-2022 was comparable to pre-pandemic estimates, providing no evidence to substantiate a link between COVID-19 vaccination and increased athlete deaths.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
No rise in athlete SCD rates 2021-2022; leaves open whether online lists reflect misattribution or incomplete surveillance.
Background and aim Lay people and medical professionals have suggested a link between (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination and a purported increase in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and death (SCD) among athletes. We aimed to compare the athlete death rate in 2021-2022 with pre-pandemic estimates and investigate the role of vaccination. Methods A comprehensive, much referenced, publicly available list of health issues, emergencies, and SCA/SCD in athletes from January 2021 to December 2022 was analysed. Demographic data, country, type of sport, vaccination status, and possible association between reported medical events and vaccination were evaluated for the complete set of athletes. The following data were specifically assessed for cases of SCD in young US athletes and compared to matched data from pre-pandemic studies: average annual SCD number, mean age, male/female ratio, sports with highest death toll, cause and scene of death, and relation to exercise. Descriptive statistics were used. Results The list contained 1653 entries. (Former) athletes, aged 5-86 years, from 99 countries, participated in 61 different sports. In multiple cases, causes of and circumstances surrounding medical events were irretrievable. Many cases involved non-cardiovascular, exercise-unrelated aetiologies. Vaccination details were scarce. In 63 (3.8%) cases, including 9 fatal events, there was a plausible association with COVID-19 vaccination. In US athletes aged 9-40 (mean 22.7) years, 166 SCD cases were identified (average 83/year), mainly in males (83%) and in football (39.8%) and basketball (16.9%). Main causes of death were non-cardiovascular exercise-unrelated (22.9%) or unknown (50.6%). Deaths primarily occurred at rest (32.5%) or under unknown circumstances (38.6%). SCD characteristics were similar to those of two pre-pandemic studies with comparable datasets. Conclusion SCD rate among young US athletes in 2021-2022 was comparable to pre-pandemic estimates. There is currently no evidence to substantiate a link between (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination and SCD in (young) athletes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Binkhorst et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death (n=1,653). COVID-19 vaccination vs. Pre-pandemic historical estimates was evaluated on Average annual sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases in young US athletes. The sudden cardiac death rate among young US athletes in 2021-2022 (83 cases per year) was comparable to pre-pandemic estimates, providing no evidence to substantiate a link to COVID-19 vaccination.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: