Causal factors of sudden death in young athletes

Levi Evencio da Silva Neto and Ariel de Toma

Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, 2025, vol. 5, 6

Abstract: It is undeniable that physical activity provides multiple benefits, both for general health and cardiovascular health, but on rare occasions, sudden cardiac death can occur in athletes even without previous symptoms. Regarding the causes and incidences, there are different studies from various countries and regions that present different results, due to the cultural variations in each country and their practiced sports. Moreover, in some countries, like Italy for example, screenings for conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are implemented more frequently compared to other countries. Sudden death involves a broad spectrum of associated pathologies, and in athletes or individuals under 35 years old, the most common causes are primary cardiomyopathies, cardiac channelopathies, and congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries. Objectives: Know the main causes of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Material and methods: This work is a systematic review of the literature, where different studies and articles will be analyzed to compile the most relevant and up-to-date information regarding the main causes of sudden death in young athletes. The search will be conducted through databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and the Argentine Society of Cardiology's website. Results: Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the most common causes of sudden death in young athletes vary depending on the region where the studies were conducted. This variation is mainly due to sociocultural factors that influence how a given society behaves and which sports are practiced. Conclusion: Although it is a rare event with low incidence, sudden cardiac death is a catastrophic event that, in most cases, leads to death. However, it is an event that can be prevented, and with the correct therapeutic intervention in the first few minutes, it can be successfully reversed. But to achieve this, it is necessary to understand the topic and be aware of its main causes to act correctly and efficiently.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dbk:rehabi:v:5:y:2025:i::p:6:id:6

DOI: 10.56294/ri20266

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