Causes of sudden death in athletes.

The incidence of sudden death in athletes is low. Some pathologic conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies, and right ventricular dysplasia may predispose to sudden death during exercise in young athletes. In older individuals, exercise may trigger terminal arrhythmias in patients with atherosclerosis. Screening programs for young individuals undertaking athletic regimens are currently recommended only for those with a suggestive clinical or family history. For older individuals, caution should be advised for patients with known or suspected atherosclerotic disease.