Congenital Long QT Syndrome and Cardiac Arrest in a Military Tactical Athlete

Abstract

We present a case of a U.S. marine who experienced cardiac arrest during military Special Forces underwater diving exercises whose evaluation revealed congenital long QT syndrome. This case highlights the expanding role for systematic electrocardiogram screening in target athletic and military populations given their stress and tactical exposures. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Keywords

• cardiac arrest
• congenital long QT syndrome
• electrocardiogram screening
• sudden cardiac death
• tactical athlete