Symptoms Preceding Sports-Related Sudden Cardiac Death in Persons Aged 1-49 Years

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2021 Jan 6;23(2):8. doi: 10.1007/s11886-020-01438-3.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Sports-related sudden cardiac death (Sr-SCD) is a leading natural cause of death in young athletes. To prevent Sr-SCD in athletes, it is important to identify individuals at risk. This review sought to summarize the current knowledge of symptoms prior to Sr-SCD in athletes aged 1-49 years.

Recent findings: Cardiovascular screening of athletes is a subject of interest. However, the cost of ECG screening in a young population is relatively high compared to potential benefits, and systematic screening of athletes is heavily debated. In the background population, both cardiac and non-specific symptoms are often present prior to SCD. Both cardiac and non-specific symptoms are present in up to 74% prior to Sr-SCD. The main symptoms are syncope, chest pain, palpitations and dizziness. Knowledge of symptoms could potentially be used in combination with non-invasive prediction models to prevent Sr-SCD and treat athletes at risk.

Keywords: Athletes; Cardiac arrest; Review; Sport; Sudden cardiac death; Symptoms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Athletes
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / epidemiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Sports*
  • Young Adult