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

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

Emma Ritsmer Stormholt #  1 , Jesper Svane #  2   3 , Thomas Hadberg Lynge #  2 , Jacob Tfelt-Hansen #  2   3
Affiliations
Review

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

Emma Ritsmer Stormholt et al. Curr Cardiol Rep. .

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.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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