Preparticipation screening of athletic participant: A proposal for the cardiologist

Abstract

Hence, the sudden cardiac death (SCD) in sports activity is a rare event, it affects the community deeply. To prevent the SCD on the athletic field, screening of athletic participants is necessary. Lack of randomised controlled trials in sports-cardiology makes the decision-making process hard for the physician. Hereby, a screening model including a family and personal history, an appropriate physical examination of the athlete and 12-lead electrocardiogram, is proposed for athletic participants based on a review of current literature and in accord with the European recommendations.

Keywords

• athletic population
• electrocardiogram
• preparticipation screening
• sudden cardiac death