Articles
Sudden death in young people: Heart problems often blamed
Content
How common is sudden cardiac death in young people?
What can cause sudden cardiac death in young people?
Are there symptoms or red flags parents, coaches and others should be on the lookout for that signal a young person is at high risk of sudden cardiac death?
Can sudden death in young people be prevented?
Who should be screened for sudden death risk factors?
Should young people with a heart defect avoid physical activity?
Content
Sudden death in people younger than 35, often due to undiscovered heart defects or overlooked heart abnormalities, is rare. When these sudden deaths occur, it's often during physical activity, such as playing a sport, and more often occurs in males than in females.
Millions of elementary, high school and college athletes compete yearly without incident. If you or your child is at risk of sudden death, talk to your doctor about precautions you can take.