**Abstract**

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is still one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death in the developed countries. The incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Europe varies from 67 to 170 per 100,000 population. The chain of survival will be described in detailed steps. We are going to summarize the treatment options for sudden cardiac arrest from recognition of SCD to resuscitation and post cardiac arrest care. The role of awereness and Automated External Defibrillator and Public Access Defibrillation (AED-PAD) programs will be discussed in brief. SCD is one of the most common causes of death among athletes. Sport can trigger SCD in individuals who already have unknown form of heart disease. Our aim was to detail the underlying causes of SCD in athletes and to identify the possible screening techniques. Existing disease (e.g., myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis) can be seen as a substrate, and sport as a trigger can cause arrhythmias, increased catecholamine release, acidosis, and dehydration. We will highlight the importance of sports medicine and periodic examination in screening for these conditions. Depending on the etiology, this may include exercise ECG, Holter monitor, CT, MR, echocardiography, and coronagraphy. We are going to conclude the new recommendations for COVID-19 post-infection care for athletes.

**Keywords:** sudden cardiac death, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, in-hospital cardiac arrest, resuscitation, post cardiac arrest care, COVID-19 infection, athletes

#### **1. Introduction**

Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment during the past decades, sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular mortality. There are several definitions of SCD in the literature [1]. According to the most widely used one, sudden cardiac death is a set of symptoms in which natural, unexpected death occurs within 1 hour of the onset of symptoms. However, this definition applies only if the death itself has an eyewitness. Failing this, SCD is considered to be the cause of death if the person was still being well, 24 hours before the body was found [2–4].

Based on the location of SCD, one can divide out-of-hospital (OHCA) and inhospital sudden cardiac arrest (IHCA). Data on adult mortality from sudden cardiac death due to cardiovascular disease could not be adequately characterized for a long time. This is mainly due to a lack of well-designed clinical research, inaccurate data collection, and an unclear definition.

Sudden cardiac death is rare among athletes. It is a devastating phenomenon, as athletes are associated with the image of a strong, healthy, resilient body. These cases usually get in focus of media publicity, and even if, for a short time, sudden cardiac death gets the spotlight. This is also of great importance to the public because it draws attention to the importance of expertise in resuscitation.

We are going to point out the importance and process of resuscitation and prevention strategies in this chapter. The role of screening of athletes will be discussed.
