Cardiovascular risks of exercise: avoiding sudden death and myocardial infarction.
Sudden cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction are serious complications of exercise in adults. There is no consensus evidence that physicians can reduce the risk of such events. Coronary risk factor reduction and ensuring that patients can recognize prodromal symptoms are prudent. Preparticipation stress testing has been recommended but often does not reveal any abnormality in patients subsequently suffering an acute cardiac event. Personnel involved with sports should be able to recognize cardiac symptoms and be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Thompson
P D
PD
Division of Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, 06102, USA. pthomps@harthosp.org.