What is the most common cause of sports-related cardiac arrest?

The most common cause of sports-related cardiac arrest is undiagnosed heart conditions or arrhythmias. Many athletes may have underlying heart issues that have not been previously identified, which can lead to sudden cardiac events during physical exertion. Conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, or long QT syndrome can significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest, even in young and seemingly healthy individuals.

These undiagnosed conditions may not present noticeable symptoms until a high-stress situation like competitive sports triggers a cardiac event. This makes awareness and screening for heart conditions especially important in athletic populations, as timely identification can help prevent tragic outcomes during sports activities.

Other factors, while relevant to overall health and injury prevention, are less frequently direct causes of cardiac arrest in sporting contexts. For example, injuries to the head, excessive dehydration, and severe trauma to the chest may contribute to other complications but do not typically account for the primary cases of cardiac arrest seen in athletes.