Marathon-associated sudden cardiac death: a mini review of risk perception, pathophysiological mechanisms, and prevention strategies - Takeaways - MDSpire

Marathon-associated sudden cardiac death: a mini review of risk perception, pathophysiological mechanisms, and prevention strategies

  • By

  • Xingzhan Zhang

  • Shaobo Li

  • Yunjing Mai

  • Hongzhi Chen

  • Huanhuan Wu

  • Chao Li

  • Ling Zhao

  • Jie Peng

  • May 28, 2026

Share

  • 1

    Sudden cardiac death (SCD) during marathons, though rare, raises significant clinical and public health concerns.

  • 2

    Risk factors for SCD include male gender, older age, and participation in full marathons, with most incidents occurring near race completion.

  • 3

    Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of SCD in middle-aged and older runners, while younger athletes face risks from inherited conditions.

  • 4

    Preventive strategies such as cardiovascular screening, ECG, and rapid resuscitation systems have improved outcomes but face ongoing controversies.

  • 5

    Future efforts should focus on precision risk stratification, wearable monitoring, and standardized emergency preparedness for marathon events.

Original Source(s)

Marathon-associated sudden cardiac death: a mini review of risk perception, pathophysiological mechanisms, and prevention strategies

  • by Xingzhan Zhang, Shaobo Li, Yunjing Mai, Hongzhi Chen, Huanhuan Wu, Chao Li, Ling Zhao, Jie Peng

  • May 28, 2026

Related Content

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: When Endovascular Repair Is the Right Option

In this procedural case review, vascular surgeon Dr. Samuel Steerman demonstrates endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for a patient in their 70s with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

  • May 27, 2026

Carotid Endarterectomy: Surgical Treatment for Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease

In this procedural case review, vascular surgeon Dr. Samuel Steerman performs a right carotid endarterectomy on a woman in her 60s who experienced a stroke related to carotid artery plaque.

  • May 27, 2026

Recognizing the Transition to Advanced Heart Failure Earlier

Despite major advances in guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), worsening heart failure continues to drive significant morbidity, repeat hospitalizations and healthcare utilization worldwide.

  • by

  • May 27, 2026

  • 6 min