Racial Disparities in Athlete Cardiac Risks Highlight Social Determinants of Health

A comprehensive review published in the *Lancet*, led by Dr. Jonathan Kim from Emory, has brought to light significant racial disparities in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) among athletes, with Black athletes being five times more likely to suffer these cardiac events compared to their White counterparts. **SCA and SCD are critical concerns in high-intensity sports**, making this finding particularly alarming. Dr. Kim highlights the role of social determinants of health—such as economic stability, access to healthcare, and experiences of discrimination—in these disparities. Data was gathered from national and international sources over 30 years, revealing discrepancies in electrocardiography (ECG) screenings between racial groups. Black athletes often receive false-positive results, creating unnecessary stress and further complications, particularly when follow-up care is limited. Dr. Kim stresses that successful management of cardiac risks in athletes begins with comprehensive pre-participation evaluation (PPE), and follow-up is crucial if ECG abnormalities are detected. By incorporating an understanding of social determinants into medical evaluations and considering the environmental factors affecting young athletes, we can begin to address these systemic issues. This growing focus represents a new direction in sports medicine research, urging stakeholders to explore beyond the conventional biomedical model to improve safety and equity in athletic health care.