A recent major review of data published by the Lancet and led by Emory sports cardiologist Jonathan Kim, MD, shows that Black athletes are approximately five times more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to White athletes, despite some evidence of a decline in rates of SCD overall. SCA and SCD have historically been a leading cause of mortality among athletes, particularly those involved in high-intensity sports.
The disparities in SCA/D rates highlights the need for increased research into the social determinants of health in younger athletes, a topic that remains understudied, according to Kim.
After examining a repository of national and international data focused on SCA/D in athletes accumulated over the last 30 years, Kim and colleagues from Lausanne University Hospital, Morristown Medical, Massachusetts General Hospital, and other prominent institutions reviewed the significant racial disparities that also persist in athlete electrocardiography (ECG) screenings, which have become a standard practice for competitive athletes.
These screenings often yield more false positives in Black athletes, which means that athletes may be wrongly identified as having a serious heart condition. For those with limited access to comprehensive follow-up testing this is especially problematic as these individuals may face unnecessary stress and may not be able to receive follow-up care to confirm whether results are accurate.
Social determinants of health, such as economic stability, proximity to health care facilities, access to health information, and experiences with discrimination can play a significant role in disparities in health outcomes, even in young athletes. By incorporating social determinants of health into future research, Kim says we may be better poised to understand how to mitigate the impacts on young athletes in particular.
