Sudden death is rare in the young athlete. The causes may vary. In the US, 
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy plays the predominant role whereas in Europe right 
ventricular arrhythmogenic dysplasia and atherosclerosis of the coronary 
arteries are more frequent. Other causes such as congenital anomalies of the 
coronary vessels, myocarditis, Marfan's disease, the long QT, the Brugada and 
the Wollf-Parkinson-White syndromes exist, but are rare. Attentive 
preparticipation screening (clinical history and medical examination) is 
mandatory in all future young athletes.