Update on cardiovascular screening: can we prevent sudden cardiac death in adolescent athletes?

Dilip R Patel; Eugene F Luckstead Sr

Update on cardiovascular screening: can we prevent sudden cardiac death in adolescent athletes?

Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2013 Apr;24(1):225-41, xiv.

Authors

Dilip R Patel¹, Eugene F Luckstead Sr

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. dilip.patel@med.wmich.edu

PMID: 23705527

Abstract

Cardiovascular screening of athletes to prevent sudden death has been a subject of ongoing debate. In the United States, such screening is currently based on history and physical examination. The International Olympic Committee and the European Sports Council require an electrocardiogram (ECG) as part of screening athletes. The 2010 European Society of Cardiology guidelines and recent US studies suggest the usefulness of ECG in screening athletes. This article provides an overview of key aspects of cardiovascular screening currently recommended in the United States and the recommendations for the use of ECG.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Athletes*
Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis*
Death, Sudden, Cardiac / epidemiology
Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control*
Defibrillators
Electrocardiography
Genetic Testing
Humans
Physical Examination