Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of death in young athletes, 
and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the single most common condition 
responsible for these tragedies. Detection of diseases such as HCM can be 
achieved in general athlete populations through preparticipation screening, and 
most effectively if testing with electrocardiography or echocardiography is 
incorporated into the process. Criteria for disqualification and eligibility, 
based on identified cardiovascular abnormalities, are available in consensus 
panel guidelines for both United States and European athletes. Removal from 
intense training and competition is recommended for athletes with HCM, some of 
whom may ultimately be judged to be at unacceptably high risk for sudden death 
and eligible for prophylactic defibrillator implantation.