The benefits of sport, both to the individual and the community, greatly outweigh the risks to participants. No pathological conditions are caused by exercise. This article will review briefly the physiologic changes that occur with cardiac conditioning, clinical findings and sudden cardiac death occurring in athletes as well as discuss the issues of screening prior to participation in sporting activities and the provision of defibrillators at sporting venues.

Athlete's Heart

In 1892, Sir William Osler wrote: "In the process of training, the getting wind as it is called, is largely a gradual increase in the capability of the heart (...) The large heart of athletes maybe due to the prolonged use of their muscles, ...

Continue Reading »»»