[Sudden death among young people. ECG and selective investigation of non-specific postinfectious problems may prevent fatal outcome].

Three cases cardiac death in young male athletes are described, and the medical management outlined. On the basis of extensive data available in published reports, it is argued that the risk group can be more clearly distinguished clinically than is usual today. It is stressed that athletic young adults consulting for dyspnoea, cardiac arrhythmia, syncope, tiredness, or nonspecific postinfectious symptoms, may have serious cardiac disease. It is concluded that, to prevent sudden cardiac death, ECG examination should be performed without delay, followed in the case of abnormal findings by extended cardiological investigation.