When athletes and individuals who actively engage in sports carry certain “genetic predispositions,” especially if they participate in high-performance sports, they may face health issues ranging from minor injuries to much more severe medical conditions.
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Based on current scientific evidence, it is known that predisposition factors in more than 2,000 genes are associated with serious injuries and even the risk of sudden death.
To understand the causes of sports-related injuries and sudden deaths and to take preventive measures, many scientists around the world are conducting extensive research. Our knowledge regarding genetic risk factors that may lead to injuries or sudden death in adults is increasing exponentially each day. A significant proportion of these risk factors are associated with heart muscle and cardiac rhythm disorders, connective tissue diseases, bleeding and clotting disorders, immune system diseases, disorders of the brain and nervous system, or metabolic diseases.
Although individuals with a personal or family history of these conditions are at greater risk, genetic risk factors can also be identified in people with no prior clinical findings. For this reason, genetic screenings have become increasingly important for both professional and amateur athletes to enable safe and healthy participation in sports.
In conclusion, with the advancement of genetic technologies, gene mutations that may cause injuries or deaths during sports activities can now be identified with ease. Awareness of genetic predispositions has therefore become a crucial step in taking preventive measures to protect athlete health and ensure safety during sports activities.