Abstract des Autors

SCD in athletes is rare, but the true incidence of the problem is not known. Most deaths are due to HCM. SCD from HCM is more common in athletic than in sedentary individuals. Exercise is a recognised trigger of fatal arrhythmias culminating in sudden death. There have been claims that ventricular hypertrophy from physiological adaptation to exercise may be misinterpreted as HCM when detected at postmortem examination; however, the diagnosis of HCM in athletes that die suddenly has been based on the demonstration of gross ventricular hypertrophy, massive left ventricular mass, and histological evidence of widespread myocardial disarray, fibrosis, and scarring, none of which are characteristic of physiological hypertrophy. In addition to HCM, there are several other recognised cardiovascular abnormalities that predispose to sudden death in athletes. Early identification of all causes of SCD in young athletes should help to prevent death by allowing the recommendation of abstinence from vigorous exercise and, if appropriate, initiation of medical therapy. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease or those with a family history of premature sudden death should undergo thorough cardiovascular evaluation at a specialist centre. Verf.-Referat