The Thin Line Between Sport and Exercise: The Realities of Sudden Cardiac Death
Chapter from the book:
Zorba,
E.
&
Bayrakdar,
A.
(eds.)
2025.
A Holistic Approach to Sports Injuries: Prevention, Psychosocial Effects, and Rehabilitation.
Synopsis
Sudden cardiac arrest and death are rare but tragic events that can occur in both professional and amateur athletes, regardless of age, sex, or level of competition. This condition is recognized as a significant global public health issue. The true incidence (the frequency of new cases within a specific time period) remains unclear due to the lack of mandatory reporting and comprehensive registry systems. The occurrence in males is approximately 5–6 times higher than in females. In young athletes, genetic and congenital heart diseases are the primary causes, whereas in older athletes, coronary artery disease predominates. While regular physical activity reduces overall mortality, sudden and intense exercise may trigger underlying cardiac conditions. Prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach: pre-participation cardiac screening, risk stratification, the use of ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) and AEDs (automated external defibrillators), and basic life support (BLS) training are the key components of this strategy. In conclusion, sports-related sudden cardiac death is rare but largely preventable; effective screening, education, and emergency preparedness are critical for reducing risk.
