Young athletes and sudden cardiac death according to the Mayo Clinic (56): Sudden cardiac death in young athletes practicing in competitive sports is rare but unfortunately, this may occur without warning. There are some symptoms if experienced by a young athlete, which should be closely examined prior to allowing any child or adolescent participate in sports. These include any symptoms of lightheadedness, passing out, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath without known cause, or seizures especially during physical activity. These symptoms should warrant screening with an electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram. Factors such as young cardiac related death in the family or unexplained death for a family member under 50 years old should also be reason to have this screening performed.
