Sudden cardiac death occurs in one in every 200,000 athletes and affects both competitive and recreational athletes.

The condition was brought to the forefront following the deaths of basketball stars Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis several years ago. Both men collapsed and died while playing basketball.

Dr. Jeffrey Boyd, a cardiologist at McFarland Clinic in Ames, said sudden cardiac death can be diagnosed and prevented through proper screening, but most people do not receive thorough exams. Boyd said there are two major components of a satisfactory physical.

“A baseline physical for athletes includes a good physical exam, as well as a good questionnaire [about possible cardiac problems],” Boyd said.

Boyd said a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association outlined 18 questions about possible cardiac problems that should be on a good questionnaire. None of the questionnaires currently used in any of the 50 states contained all 18 questions.

Rob Schweers, director of public relations for the Iowa Heart Center, said making physicians aware of patients’ personal and family medical history is very important.

“If you know of an immediate family member who has had heart disease at a young age, you need to bring that up to your physician,” Schweers said.

Schweers said once someone is identified as being more at-risk, they are given echocardiograms and electrocardiograms to pinpoint problems.

One big problem with the condition is a lack of symptoms.

“There may not be any numbness in the arm, chest pains or any of the usual symptoms associated with a heart attack,” Schweers said. “[An attack] is brought on by extreme physical exertion. By the time people notice [the attack], it’s usually too late.”

If diagnosed with the condition, athletes need to avoid intense physical activity, Schweers said.

“If they’re fiercely competitive, basketball pickup games are out,” Schweers said. “Jogging is probably fine, but a cross-country race where you’re pushing yourself to the limits is probably out. Competitive swimming may be out also,” he said.

Boyd noted the problem sudden cardiac death poses for young athletes in a press release from the Iowa Heart Center.

“An intense workout increases the risk for sudden cardiac death, and screening programs are often inadequate to identify at-risk teens,” Boyd said.

“Unfortunately, teens at risk for sudden cardiac death should be kept out of competition,” Boyd said.

Being properly screened for heart disease is not just important for competitive athletes, but for recreational athletes as well.

“People need an occasional physical in the college years,” Schweers said. “Students are often lax when it comes to getting normal screenings.”

Schweers emphasized that diagnosing the condition is only the first part of dealing with the problem.

“Through testing you can determine who is at risk, then you just have to be careful. [With] most cases there is no second chance,” Schweers said.

For information on cardiovascular screenings for athletes, contact the Iowa Heart Center at (515) 239-4472.