Key result
Advanced cardiac screening may be necessary to identify asymptomatic athletes with life-threatening conditions like bicuspid aortic valve disease, as 80% of patients with sudden cardiac death are asymptomatic until cardiac arrest occurs.
Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes, occurring at an estimated rate of 1:43,000 to 1:200,000 per year.
Emphasizes SCD risk in athletes for screening vigilance; leaves open precise incidence and optimal prevention strategies.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes. It has been estimated that SCD occurs three times more often in athletes than in nonathletes and is defined as a sudden unexpected death due to a previously undiagnosed cardiac structural abnormality. The precise incidence of SCD is unclear, but various studies have estimated that 2–3% of the general population have some cardiovascular anomaly and that the SCD rate in athletes ranges from 1:50,000 to 1:200,000 athletes per year. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) position statement on preventing sudden death, a report from the National Collegiate Athletic Association stated that the SCD rate in student-athletes is slightly higher, at 1:43,000 per year.
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Rossi et al. (2017) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death and bicuspid aortic valve disease in competitive athletes. Advanced cardiac screening (echocardiography) vs. History and physical examination alone was evaluated. Advanced cardiac screening may be necessary to identify asymptomatic athletes with life-threatening conditions like bicuspid aortic valve disease, as 80% of patients with sudden cardiac death are asymptomatic until cardiac arrest occurs.
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