The Concept of Critical Resource Deficiency as a Universal Mechanism of Sudden Death in Sport

This study proposes a unified pathophysiological concept of sudden death in sport based on the achievement of a critical deficiency of vital bodily resources. The author argues that fatal outcomes are not solely determined by structural cardiac pathology, but by systemic metabolic, hemodynamic, and electrophysiological collapse. The model integrates hypoxia, hypovolemia, electrolyte imbalance, and energy depletion into a single multicomponent mechanism leading to myocardial electrical instability. Ventricular fibrillation and asystole are interpreted as final electrophysiological manifestations of systemic metabolic failure. Particular attention is given to threshold individuality, autonomic imbalance, and trigger timing. The paper analyzes scenarios occurring during the first minutes of exertion and at the finish of endurance events. Limitations of standard ABCDE resuscitation without metabolic correction are discussed. The concept shifts prevention from structural screening toward individualized monitoring of functional reserves. The work synthesizes clinical, epidemiological, and pathophysiological data into an integrative model. It represents an evolution from risk-factor analysis to a systemic theoretical framework in sports medicine. Changes in Version 2 The manuscript has been revised to improve the distinction between established scientific evidence and the author's original conceptual propositions. Citations have been reassigned so that references support established physiological and clinical knowledge, while original theoretical interpretations and conceptual conclusions are presented as the author's own scientific contribution. Several sections have also been editorially refined to improve logical consistency and readability. No changes have been made to the reference list or to the overall scientific conclusions of the study. Keywords: sudden death in sport, critical deficiency, hypoxia, hypovolemia, electrolyte disturbances, hypoglycemia, ventricular fibrillation, asystole, sports medicine.