National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes have a significantly higher incidence of sudden cardiac death than previously thought, especially among men, African Americans, and male basketball players, according to a study published May 14 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. In addition, the main cause of sudden cardiac death differs from what is commonly assumed to be the root of the problem.
“This study confirms our earlier findings that SCD in athletes is a serious problem and for some high risk groups, alarming,” said lead author Dr. Kimberly G. Harmon, a University of Washington professor of family medicine and UW Medicine sports medicine physician. “We need to consider better ways to identify these athletes before they die, as the currently recommended screening strategy of history and physical is ineffective.”