SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1997
STP18286S

Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death During Downhill Skiing and Mountain Hiking

Source

Previous studies demonstrated an increased risk of cardiac events, for example, sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs), during vigorous exercise. However, such events seem to be provoked particularly in people who are normally sedentary. Only a few investigations deal with SCDs during downhill skiing or have drawn comparisons with other types of mountain sports.

Therefore, we analyzed the fatalities during mountain sports in Austria from 1985 through 1993. The number of persons involved in mountain sports was compiled on the basis of a representative Austrian-wide survey taken in 1984 and in the 1989 microcensus. SCDs are defined as unexpected, nontraumatic events that lead to death within 1 h after the onset of symptoms.

In nine years (1985 to 1993), 157 SCDs occurred during downhill skiing and 361 during mountain hiking. About 90% of all SCDs were attributed to men over 34 years of age. The mountain-sport-related SCD risk to male nonmembers of mountaineering associations, over 34 years of age, was 2.2 (1.7 to 3.0) for skiers and 4.2 (3.5 to 5.1) for hikers, when compared with the SCD risk (1.0) for the entire Austrian male population (after adjustment for age and exposure time). However, a great increase in risk for skiers was observed above the age of 50. In contrast, a diminished risk was found for hikers and for skiers who practiced mountain sports more regularly. Therefore, regular physical activity may be considered the best prevention, especially for the main risk group.

Author Information

Burtscher, M
Department of Sport Science of the University of Innsbruck and the Austrian Society of Mountain Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
Mittleman, MA
Institute for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA
Nachbauer, W
Department of Sport Science of the University of Innsbruck and the Austrian Society of Mountain Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
Philadelphy, M
Department of Sport Science of the University of Innsbruck and the Austrian Society of Mountain Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
Likar, R
General Hospital Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: F27
Pages: 30–36
DOI: 10.1520/STP18286S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5354-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2472-1