Facts at a Glance

More than 7,000 young people under 18 years of age die from undetected heart conditions each year.

Young athletes suffer sudden cardiac death at a rate two to three times as high as their less active peers. In the Untied States 20 million teenagers participate in athletics.

HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults comprising more than one-third of cases.

HCM is a genetic abnormality present in approximately one in 500 people. It enlarges the left ventricle of the heart, which can trigger fatal heart rhythm disturbances particularly during exercise.

Approximately 60% of young adults at risk for sudden death may be detected with an ECG.