by chinmoy mazumdersudden cardiac death in young people is rare but not uncommon though estimates vary some reports suggest that one in 50000 to one in 80000 young athletes die of sudden cardiac arrest every year it can happen during physical activity such as playing competitive sports or because of exertionsuch deaths are sometimes caused due to undiagnosed heart conditions thickened heart muscle hypertrophic cardiomyopath is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people it is a genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to grow too thick the thickening makes it hard for the heart to pump blood and can increase the heart beat the second cause is heart rhythm disorder long qt syndrome is the commonest problem that can result in fast chaotic heart beats which is linked to unexplained fainting and sudden death among the young people it may be present since birth or occur in ones later life other heart disorders include brugada syndrome and wpw syndrome the third common cause is blunt chest injury during contact sports like football etc while the last but not the least is heart structure problems present since birth or congenital heart disease though death occurs without warning in many cases there have been warning signs in several others these include unexplained fainting and fainting that occurs during exercise or physical activities shortening of breath or chest pain are other symptoms of heart problems moreover having a family history of sudden cardiac death makes a person more prone to have the same heart events talking to a healthcare provider can save young lives by making them avoid competitive sports or avoidable physical activities but most importantly the screening of athletes or sports persons and a routine ecg may help save those who are at a risk of sudden cardiac deaththe writer is a guwahatibased consultant cardiologist