Sudden cardiac death in athletes

Abstract

Even though the subject of SCD has been present in medical literature for many years, there remain many questions as yet unanswered. There are no data on the incidence of SCD in athletes in Poland. Even if rare, SCD in young athletes is s tragic event that draws public attention and can be misinterpreted. As postulated by ESC, ECG should be implemented in the preparticipation screening of young athletes, but proper interpretation is crucial to avoid unnecessary disqualifcations or, even worse, eligibility of individuals with life-threatening conditions. New diagnostic tools can be helpful in the differentiation of athletes from the "grey zone'. There is undisputed proof of the positive impact of physical activity on health and longevity, so sport should be a nonpharmacological prescription for the whole population. As the fashion for a healthy lifestyle is reaching "epidemic" proportions, the greatest upcoming challenge for modern sports cardiology is the means of proper assessment of middle-aged individuals to allow safe exercise.