A contemporary review of sudden cardiac arrest and death in competitive and recreational athletes

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-30-2024

Institution/Department

Cardiology

Journal Title

Lancet (London, England)

MeSH Headings

Female; Humans; Male; Athletes; Death, Sudden, Cardiac (epidemiology, prevention & control, etiology); Incidence; Risk Factors; Sports

Abstract

Sudden cardiac arrest and death occur among competitive and recreational athletes across the entire spectrum of age, sex, and level of competition. These events are tragic, potentially preventable, and represent a global public health concern. Currently, the precise incidence of sudden cardiac arrest and death among all athletes is uncertain due to the lack of both mandatory case reporting and the infrastructure to process all cases that occur within the general population. Disparities in outcomes between Black and White athletes also exist without explanation. Causes of sudden cardiac arrest and death are age-dependent, with genetic heart conditions and unexplained cases (ie, normal autopsy) predominant among younger athletes, and coronary artery disease accounting for most cases among veteran Masters athletes. Determining best practices for prevention of primary sudden cardiac arrest and death, including preparticipation screening, remains controversial. However, secondary prevention grounded in an emergency action plan incontrovertibly represents a fundamental aspect of comprehensive cardiac care for all athletes.

First Page

2209

Last Page

2222

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