Sudden death in young athletes: lessons from the Hank Gathers affair
Article Abstract:
Conflicts often arise between health decisions made in the best interest of an athlete and decisions made in the interest of allowing the athlete to continue playing. The case of Hank Gathers, a Loyola-Marymount University basketball star with a promising career in the National Basketball Association, is discussed. Gathers collapsed and died during a game in 1990. He had previously undergone medical testing after fainting during a game in 1989. Though a definitive diagnosis has not been made, Gathers' death raises many questions for both the medical community and organized sports. An assessment of an athlete's health can be shaped by factors that are not health-related, including the athlete's career potential and possible loss if the athlete cannot play for a long time. Also, the athlete's own desire to continue playing may influence a doctor's or sports administrator's decision. One solution might be to assign responsibility to one physician for the ultimate decision on the athlete's ability to continue playing. This physician would consult with other specialists before making a decision.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Competitive athletes with cardiovascular disease - the case of Nicholas Knapp
Article Abstract:
A 1996 court case emphasized the right of universities to disqualify athletes from participating in sports if a team of physicians rules that the athlete has serious health problems. The case arose when a 17-year-old freshman was barred from playing basketball at Northwestern University after school physicians declared him ineligible. He had collapsed after a high-school game and had been diagnosed with mild hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He sued Northwestern and the district court ruled in his favor but the ruling was reversed by an appellate court.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
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Outcomes in athletes with marked ECG repolarization abnormalities
Article Abstract:
A study to examine the long-term clinical outcomes among athletes with abnormal 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) characterized by marked repolarization abnormalities is conducted. Results conclude that marked abnormal ECGs are an indicator of underlying adverse cardio outcomes and merit continued clinical surveillance.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2008
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