ABSTRACT
The cardiovascular benefits of regular physical activity and systematic exercise are well-established. Exercise results in a favourable atherosclerotic risk profile and increased cardiorespiratory fitness; both factors are associated with a significantly lower prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events in middle and older age, and increased longevity of life. Genetic diseases include the primary cardiomyopathies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC); channelopathies such as long-QT syndrome (LQTS), catecholamine polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and Brugada syndrome; aortopathies such as Marfan syndrome and premature atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) due to familial hypercholesterolaemia. The clinical history pertains to identifying cardiovascular symptoms such as exertional chest discomfort, dyspnoea, palpitations and syncope. The societal impact of a sudden death in an athlete may be considered as an important public health issue. Most deaths in exercising individuals affect middle aged and older athletes.
