November 9, 2000
View Full PaperThe Paradox of Exercise
Key Result
Physical exertion is associated with sudden cardiac death, which is often the consequence of various unsuspected structural heart diseases depending on age.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Persons of all ages engaging in physical exertion, including youth sports participants and individuals in recreational activities or conditioning programs.
E
Exposure
Physical exertion / exercise
O
Outcome
Sudden death from cardiac causes
While exercise is generally beneficial, it can paradoxically trigger sudden cardiac death in individuals with underlying, often unsuspected, structural or ischemic heart disease.
Abstract
Sudden death from cardiac causes often occurs during or just after physical exertion.16 In some cases, such deaths occur during organized youth sports,6 a circumstance in which the victims are regarded as the epitome of health and fitness and their deaths may become the subject of scrutiny by the news media. More frequently, sudden deaths occur in persons of all ages during recreational activities or informal conditioning programs.15 Such sudden deaths related to exertion have proved to be the consequence of various (often unsuspected) structural heart diseases; the responsible disorders depend on age.3,6 Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease . . .