Heart disease in young athletes is increasingly becoming a problem.  Many times, there are no symptoms, which makes detection that much more difficult.

Types of Heart Problems 

• Enlarged Heart: A size increase of the heart caused by a condition such as a weakened heart muscle, coronary artery disease or problems with the heart valves
• Heart Murmur: Abnormal or extra sounds produced when the heart beats
• High Blood Pressure: When levels of blood pressure (systolic and/or diastolic) are higher then 140/90
• Blood Vessel: Weak, dilated, enlarged, hardened or thickened vessels in the body
• Irregular Heart Beat: A heart beat lower than 60 beats per minute or above 100 beats per minute

If symptoms are present, many times they are misdiagnosed as being caused by other conditions not related to the heart. The heart typically enlarges naturally during exercise as well, but this is nothing to be concerned about.

Warning Symptoms

• Loss of breath
• Dizziness
• Irregular or accelerated heart beat

The rising cause of death for athletes under 25 is an enlarged heart, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's described as a form of heart disease where the heart muscles thicken, causing a restriction of blood flow to the heart.  Athletes with a family history of heart problems are at double the risk of developing a condition, including thickened heart walls or enlarged heart size.

When athletes go through routine physicals, the heart is not examined. It is estimated that if an ECHO (echocardiogram) and an EKG/ECG are given as part of the physical, a hundred young athlete deaths could be potentially stopped in the United States.

The EKG/ECG tests the heart’s electrical rhythm. The ECHO test checks for faulty valves and healthy pump function. It also measures the overall size of the heart. If any of these tests come back abnormal, an ultrasound can give further explanation of any potential issues.

Cost is the key reason that schools have not required heart evaluations, along with the small number of athletes that will actually be diagnosed with heart problems. To keep risk and deaths down, many schools have had automatic external defibrillators installed in recent years.

Be aware of the risks that heart problems can pose to young athletes.
While the occurrence of heart-related fatalities is rare in youths, knowing that the risk is out there and increasing, parents, athletes and coaches should take the time to educate themselves.