Differences in cardiac remodeling associated with race - Implications for pre-participation screening and the unfavorable situation of black athletes

The unexpected, tragic, and highly publicized sudden deaths of top-level athletes reported by the media periodically inflate the debate regarding the most appropriate strategy for identifying individuals at risk and preventing these catastrophes (1-3). Indeed, there is a growing perception in the lay public and medical community that the prevalence of athletic field deaths is larger than previously believed and, although not epidemic, there are innumerable events terminating the lives of young athletes that pass uncovered by media.