Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in Athletes Risk Calculator (Multivariate)

Age

Sex

Race/Ethnicity (per NCAA reporting)

Primary Sport

Exertional syncope or presyncope (unexplained)

Exertional chest pain or unexplained dyspnea

Family history of SCD < 50 years (first-degree)

ECG abnormality on athlete-specific criteria (e.g., Seattle/International)

Known cardiac diagnosis

HCM Risk-SCD (optional, only if HCM)
Provide the following to compute validated 5-year HCM Risk-SCD.

Maximal LV wall thickness (mm)

Left atrial diameter (mm)

Max LVOT gradient (mmHg)

Non-sustained VT

Unexplained syncope (past 6 months)

Family history of SCD (first-degree)

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in Athletes: Explanation and Clinical Context
This calculator integrates multivariate risk modifiers observed in athlete populations—sex, race, sport type—and major red flags such as exertional syncope, family history, abnormal ECG, and known cardiac disease. It stratifies clinical concern but does not predict absolute probability. For athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the validated ESC HCM Risk-SCD equation (O’Mahony et al., Eur Heart J, 2014) is included to estimate 5-year SCD probability.

References:
Petek BJ, et al. Circulation, 2024. NCAA athlete SCD incidence declined overall, but risk remained higher in men, Black athletes, and basketball players.
Harmon KG, et al. Sports Health, 2015. SCD in NCAA athletes: males, Black athletes, and basketball players at highest risk.
Finocchiaro G, et al. JACC, 2016. Etiology of sudden death in sports.

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