Hidden Heart Disease Remains Leading Cause of Sudden Death…

Hidden Heart Disease Remains Leading Cause of Sudden Death in Young Athletes, Long-Term Study Finds A four-decade analysis from Italy has revealed that arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), an inherited heart muscle disorder, continues to be one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death among young competitive athletes, despite major advances in screening programs. Researchers reviewed cases of athlete deaths between 1985 and 2024 and found that ACM accounted for nearly 29% of sudden cardiac deaths. While the overall incidence has declined over time, experts observed a significant shift in the disease pattern, with a growing proportion of cases involving the left ventricle of the heart. Traditionally, ACM has b