| Abstract [eng] |
The advantages of an active lifestyle in the primary and secondary prevention of noncommunicable diseases are undeniable and widely discussed in the literature. However, vigorous exercise experienced by professional athletes is associated with a 2.8-fold increased risk of sudden death. The untimely deaths of young athletes raise numerous concerns among healthcare professionals. Sudden athlete death has been studied for decades but many aspects are still being debated among medical professionals. The aim: To review the scientific literature on sudden death incidence, risk factors, aetiology, primary preventative strategies in professional athletes. Methods: Literature search, analysis and interpretation of the selected articles were performed. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, without limitations of publication year. Conclusions: Sudden death associated with athletic activity is uncommon. Overall estimates of the incidence in young athletes (<35 years) range from 1 to 2 out of 100 000 athletes per year. Athletes with cardiovascular disease, the elderly (>35 years) men, dark-skinned, long-term, and intense activity, endurance sports are associated with an increased risk of sudden death. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of sudden death in athletes. The most prevalent post-mortem findings in athletes include a structurally normal heart in Europe (46 %), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in America (41 %). Primary prevention strategies for sudden cardiac death are effective. The strategy recommended by the European Society of Cardiology is more sensitive and specific in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases in athletes than the strategy proposed by the American Heart Association. |
