Screening for heart problems in young athletes

Abstract

Physical training has several cardiovascular benefits. However, in rare cases, intensive exercise may be associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). Although rare, SCD is the leading medical cause of death in the young athletes. The incidence rate of SCD is widely debated and largely unknown - the probable incidence range of SCD is between 1 and 2.5 per 100 000 athletes. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates the prevalence of an underlying cardiovascular disorder in young athletes that predisposes to SCD as 0.3%.