Preventing Sudden Death

In brief

Identifying all athletes at risk for exercise-related sudden death is difficult because reliable screening is expensive. And even if a perfect screening method existed, a very large number of athletes would need to be tested to find one at risk. Unfortunately, a standard history and physical exam do not readily identify the forms of congenital heart disease that can lead to exercise-related sudden death. However, a history designed to identify symptomatic athletes and those with a family history of congenital heart disease may be the most practical screening method.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Philip A. Ades

Dr Ades is an associate professor of medicine and director of cardiac rehabilitation at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington.