Abstract

The circumstances surrounding 46 nontraumatic sudden deaths (39 men, 7 women) associated with exercise in China were described. The mean age of those who died was 31.0 +/- 13.0 years ranged 9-63 years. Sudden death occured during or just after severe exertion in 24 of the 46 cases. The causes of deaths were determined by autopsy in 18 cases and diagnosed on the basis of medical history plus a review of symptoms attending death in the other 28 cases. The causes of sudden deaths in 14 cases aged 40 years and above were coronary heart disease (n=9) and cerebrovascular disease (n=5); The major causes of sudden death in 32 cases below 40 years of age were Marfans syndrome (n=5), myocarditis (n=3), coronary heart disease (N=6), congenital coronary abnormalities (n=2), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=1), acute pancreatitis (n=3) and cerebrovascular disease (=3). Most patients with Marfans syndrome are usually tall and thin, so they are often selected as athletes. In order to identify athletes who are at risk of sudden death and to reduce the frequency of sudden deaths, it is important to have medical screening, to give appropriate attention to possible prodromal symptoms and to avoid excessive exercise. Verf.-Referat