SPORT-RELATED SUDDEN NATURAL DEATH IN THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM

We undertook a prospective study of all consecutive deaths reported to the Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull in a 5 year period. We identi fied 52 sudden deaths associated with symptoms commencing during sport participation. We studied the characteristics of these individuals. T he majority had been performing at accustomed levels of activity witho ut symptoms for several years. The extrapolation of our findings to pr eventive strategies remains unclear but we wish to highlight the impor tance of recognizing premonitory effort-related symptoms.