Sudden death in athletes in Trinidad and Tobago

Sudden death related to exercise activity is a well-recognised clinical syndrome. Although the incidence is low, it is always an agonizing experience to all concerned when a young, relatively healthy individual dies suddenly. Over the last four years, we have had six proven cases of sudden death in athletics. The cause varied from congenital to acquired pathology of the heart, and there was one case of heat stroke. From this study, we were able to analyse some of the risk factors and, from a review of the literature, we are able to determine (1) the feasibility of a screening programme, and (2) the design of such a programme as would be suitable for our environment. (AU)

Heat injuries in Trinidadian long distance runners - abstract

Long distance running in hot environmental conditions is plagued by many medical problems, heat injuries being the commonest and most severe. During the period October 1985 - October 1987, we have studied 12 running events of 10 km or more, in which a total of 5,624 athletes participated. There was 450 cases of heat injury (8 percent) with 1 death from heat stroke. The number and severity of the injuries were directly proportional to the effective temperature. All the injuries occurred when the temperature was 85§F - 96§F and the relative humidity waas above 75 percent. There was also a direct relationship with the level of training (miles per week) and injury. The number of injuries was higher in those races where the Sports Medicine Association was not involved in the organisation (13 percent). We have drawn up guidelines which are available from the authors. They include recommended starting times, water and shower availability and the provision of medical facilities. There should be an improvement of race organisation, extensive competitor education and updating of the knowledge of medical personnel involved in these events (AU)