Sudden cardiac death: mandatory exclusion of athletes at risk is a step too far.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes is a distressing event and it is not surprising that some physicians working with sports people are proposing that preventive action should be taken. There is a push for a system similar to that established in some countries, which involves screening and mandatory exclusion of those at risk. We argue that while screening can provide useful information to at-risk athletes making decisions about their future athletic careers, mandatory exclusion of athletes is paternalistic and such decisions are not rightfully within the domain of medicine.
Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. lynley.anderson@otago.ac.nz
Lynley
L
Anderson
Dan
D
Exeter
Lynne
L
Bowyer
D056352:Athletes; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003657:Decision Making; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004562:Electrocardiography; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D028701:Patient Rights; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*