Sudden cardiac death in athletes is usually due to underlying cardiovascular 
disease. In the young less than 30 years of age, the most common abnormality is 
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, followed by congenital coronary artery anomalies. 
The final common pathway is usually ventricular fibrillation. Sudden cardiac 
death in the young is rare but remains a source of concern. A careful screening 
history and physical examination, especially for potential athletes, should 
identify the majority of young people at risk.