How Does Cardiomyopathy Relate to SCD and How can we Prevent SCD in Student Athletes?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes is catastrophic. Physical Activity is one of the biggest risk factors for SCD in people with underlying and known cardiovascular disease.

An array of cardiovascular disorders including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital coronary anomalies, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, aortic rupture due to Marfan syndrome, myocarditis, valvular disease and electrical disorders, and commotio cordis represent the common causes of SCD in young athletes, but we are going to focus on the Cardiomyopathies because they are the most common underlying disease in student athletes to cause SCD. 

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The specific diseases responsible for athlete catastrophes vary due to age. In athletes younger than 35 years old, the majority of sudden deaths are due to underlying cardiovascular problems like hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy. 

These deaths occur most commonly in intense team sports such as basketball and football.

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In order to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in our student athletes, coaches, parents, and students can be on the lookout for hidden symptoms and students can go for screening if they suspect anything. Coaches can be on the lookout for these symptoms and reach out to their athletes parents if they are suspicious of any symptoms and want their students to get screened. 

For more, visit the "How to Self Screen for underlying Cardiomyopathy" Page