Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmogenic Dysplasia in Athletes

Sudden cardiac death in sports refers to unexpected natural death occurring during athletic activity or within one hour of its completion. Cases of sudden cardiac death in athletes frequently make front-page news, as the sudden passing of highly trained athletes in peak physical condition remains shocking. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that the most common underlying causes of this cardiac arrest are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.

What do we know about cardiac arrests?

To assist someone in cardiac arrest and restore a pulse without irreversible brain damage, we have less than five minutes. Beyond that window, survival chances drop by 10% for every passing minute. This is precisely why installing an AED in corporate facilities and workplaces is so vital.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, 30,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in Spain each year. Nearly 80% occur in public thoroughfares, workplaces, homes, or leisure venues. Only 5% of those who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive. Therefore, preventing sports-related sudden death requires a specific approach: pre-participation cardiovascular screening (aimed at early detection of cardiac conditions posing sudden death risk in athletes), setting up necessary cardiopulmonary resuscitation mechanisms, and training personnel in AED usage.

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

It is a condition characterized by thickening of the myocardium (heart muscle). Frequently, only one portion of the heart is thicker than the rest. This thickening can obstruct blood outflow from the heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood, while also impairing the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood.

What is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia?

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia is an autosomal dominant inherited disease with an estimated prevalence of 1:2,500–1:5,000, predominantly affecting males (3:1 ratio). Histologically, it is characterized by the replacement of cardiomyocytes with fibrofatty tissue, which predisposes patients to ventricular arrhythmias, right ventricular failure, and sudden cardiac death.

Which equipment do we recommend for cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

Samaritan Pad 350P | Key Competitive Advantages

• 8-year warranty.
• European manufacturing.
• Extremely simple operation with clear visual and acoustic prompts.
• Cutting-edge shock efficacy technology via patented biphasic “SCOPE” waveform, optimizing discharge per patient to maximize survival odds.
• Integrated “Pad-Pak” electrode and battery cartridge with a 4-year lifespan.
• Ultra-compact and lightweight at just 1.1 kg including battery, facilitating easy transport and operation in any scenario.
• The most durable public access defibrillator on the market, featuring certified IP56 ingress protection against water and dust.
• Intelligent patient detection system that saves over 1 minute in defibrillation time, boosting survival rates.
• Fast charge time: 150 J in <8 seconds; 200 J in <12 seconds.
• Impedance range: 25 – 230 ohms.
• Language selection option prior to installation.
• Will not deliver a shock unless the device detects a shockable rhythm.