Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with sudden death during marathon racing. Issue 5 (May 1979)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Noakes, T D; Rose, A G; Opie, L H
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 41:Issue 5(1979)
• Page Start: 624
• Page End: 627
• Publication Date: 1979-05
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.41.5.624
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : An experienced marathon runner died suddenly during a competitive race. At necropsy, ventricular hypertrophy but no asymmetrical septal hypertrophy was found. Histological studies showed features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The coronary arteries were normal. We propose that the runner died from myocardial ischaemia, precipitated by marathon running on a background of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Excess cardiac work, induced by marathon running in the presence of mild congenital cardiac defects, could have contributed to the development of the cardiomyopathy.