Abstract

Non-traumatic sudden death during or immediately following strenuous sporting activity is an event of which most sportsmen are aware. The subject has been the concern of sportsmen, sports governing bodies and the medical profession, and has often excited alarmist media reports. Although there appears to be a statistically small increased risk of sudden death during strenuous exercise, there remains an appreciable mortality. The majority of sudden deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease and although a wide age range is affected, most subjects are over the age of 35 years. It is the intention of this article to examine ways in which the prevalence of sudden cardiac death in sport can be reduced. Verf.-Referat