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Review
. 2016 Apr-Jun;12(2):76-80.
doi: 10.14797/mdcj-12-2-76.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes

Meagan M Wasfy  1 , Adolph M Hutter  1 , Rory B Weiner  1
Affiliations
Review

Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes

Meagan M Wasfy et al. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2016 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

There are clear health benefits to exercise; even so, patients with cardiac conditions who engage in exercise and athletic competition may on rare occasion experience sudden cardiac death (SCD). This article reviews the epidemiology and common causes of SCD in specific athlete populations. There is ongoing debate about the optimal mechanism for SCD prevention, specifically regarding the inclusion of the ECG and/or cardiac imaging in routine preparticipation sports evaluation. This controversy and contemporary screening recommendations are also reviewed.

Keywords: athlete; electrocardiogram; exercise; sudden cardiac arrest; sudden cardiac death.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Screening and diagnostic tools for the cardiovascular evaluation of the athlete.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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