Sudden Cardiac Death Among Student Athletes More Common Than Previously Thought

A new study from the University of Washington suggests that the rate of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in college athletes is higher than previously thought. SCD is the leading medical cause of death and death during exercise in NCAA student-athletes. However, there is currently no formal measurement of SCD numbers. In fact, recent estimates of SCD have been based on questionable data sources, such as public media reports, and are believed to be underestimated. The current study attempts to more accurately identify cases of SCD by use of insurance claims databases, media reports, as well as NCAA information databases. Data from these sources between the years 2004 to 2008 showed there were 273 deaths among NCAA athletes, with 45 of them dying from SCD. Public media sources alone only identified 25 of these. Because of this, the study authors are emphasizing the importance of accurate data and its role in prevention of death from SCD. "Accurate assessment of SCD incidence is necessary to shape appropriate health policy decisions and develop effective strategies for prevention," they said. [via American Heart Association]

 

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