ABSTRACT. Sudden cardiac death is a tragedy at any age and under any circumstances, but it is perhaps more tragic when it appears in the athlete, a person who has a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity and physical performance training ensure a good functioning of the cardiovascular system. However, there are situations of unfavorable evolution, which are diagnosed as sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes. Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – in the US – and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy – in Europe – are the two leading causes of sudden cardiac death to young athletes. Sudden cardiac death in athletes is the leading cause of medical death in this subgroup, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 80,000 athletes per year.
Keywords: sudden cardiac death; athletes; sport performance; ventricular arrhythmias; obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy