Sudden cardiac death in adolescents.

Adolescent sudden cardiac death is rare. When it occurs, it is devastating to families and communities because of the unexpected nature of the death and the age of the victim. It is especially troubling because these patients are seemingly healthy compared with their adult counterparts who die from coronary artery disease. This article reviews the incidence, etiology, prevalence, risk, screening, and prevention strategies for the sudden cardiac death of adolescents.