Syncope and Sudden Death in the Athlete

Sudden unexpected death in an athlete is a rare but devastating event. When it occurs, it has a lasting and serious impact on the family, the school, and the community in which the athlete lived. This article will examine the epidemiology of sudden unexpected death in children and adolescents as well as explore the etiologies most commonly encountered. Syncope in an athlete is equally as frightening and may be an early indicator of a possible fatal event if not fully evaluated. The preparticipation physical examination is one possible tool that may decrease the frequency of these untimely events. The association between syncope, the preparticipation examination, and sudden unexpected death in the athlete will be explored.

Keywords: syncope, sudden death, arrhythmia, dysrhythmias, long QT syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ECG, echocardiography