Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes

Abstract

Knowledge of sudden cardiac death in young athletes is imperative for all physicians and allied health professionals. The complete differential diagnosis of a young patient with sudden cardiac arrest will result in proper work-up and treatment. In this article, we review several etiologies of sudden cardiac death, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and commotio cordis. Clinical findings, work-up, treatment, long-term management, and athlete preparticipation screening guidelines are discussed.

Keywords:

• Brugada syndrome
• athlete
• sudden cardiac death
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• commotio cordis