What is the cause of sudden death in elite athletes?

Thickened heart: The most common cause of sudden death in elite athletes in the US is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a rare condition of the actual muscle of the heart becoming so large and thick as to obstruct outgoing blood flow. Because outgoing flow is reduced the heart must work even harder to pump blood to supply oxygen to the body.

Depends: Sudden death in elite athletes can include a genetic disorder that causes premature clogging of arteries, abnormal heart rhythm or structure, severe dehydration with or without electrolyte imbalance, heat illness, and accidents.