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

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.

Automated summary

The review summarized the common symptoms prior to sudden cardiac death in athletes, including syncope, chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness. Cardiovascular screening of athletes is of interest but is costly and heavily debated. The key to preventing sudden cardiac death in athletes lies in understanding the symptoms and combining them with prediction models for treatment.