What is the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities detected by a rapid screening technique in athletic candidates?
A rapid ECG screening technique during preseason physicals identified a small proportion of athletes with doubtful or abnormal findings, highlighting the utility of ECG in sports screening.
A rapid electrocardiographic technique, using a semireclining chair fitted with copper skin electrodes for arms and legs, has been employed in a screening survey of athletes during the routine preseason physical examinations. Mutually perpendicular leads I and aVF were recorded on 1,219 candidates. Following standards set by Dawber and Katz, 1,158 were normal, 51 doubtful, and 10 abnormal. Based on current knowledge, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome without history of paroxysmal arrhythmia is acceptable for strenuous sports; acquired bundle-branch block, right or left, should be suspected and thoroughly investigated; nodal rhythm and other second-degree block aggravated by exercise is cause for rejection as is myocardial ischemia and active myocarditis but not isolated T-wave changes. Cardiac contusion should be suspected in injuries of the anterior portion of the chest, and the patient should be permitted to play only when fully recovered.
Kenneth D. Rose (Mon,) studied this question.