Sudden death happens unexpectedly. The World Health Organization defines ‘sudden death’ as death caused by natural illnesses which happen to those who usually are or seem to be physically healthy within an unexpectedly short period of time. Clinically, sudden death mostly results from cardiac causes. As is indicated by a large-scale research study, there are 6.8 incidents of sudden death among every 100 thousand athletes. Sports-related sudden death is caused by excessive physical activities, during or immediately after which related symptoms occur. This is non-traumatic death which happens within 6 hours. In fact, there are various reasons why sudden death occurs in the course of exercise, with the more common ones such as cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases.

Athletes should undergo comprehensive physical examinations regularly to be informed of their physical conditions through cardiopulmonary function tests and detailed cardiac examination, including electrocardiogram, dynamic electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound scan. Through regular examinations and examinations before competitions, those who are not suitable for exercise can be filtered out, which can effectively reduce the probability of sudden cardiac death. Other individuals of the general public should also undergo related examinations regularly before participating in physical activities so as to lower the chance of heart attack.

People may still be exposed to the potential risk of recessive heart disease, despite having undergone related examinations. The recessive heart disease cannot be easily discovered in regular examinations. Therefore, one must consider their conditions when engaging in physical activities. During illness or medication, the intensity of physical activities should be determined based on doctors’ advice. Those who have experienced chest tightness, fainting and palpitations or those who have individual or family history of heart disease should be more aware of their endurance of exercise. If symptoms such as unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, chest tightness and sweating occur during exercise, one should stop immediately and consult medical professionals promptly.