Key result
Pre-participation cardiovascular screening is efficacious in detecting cardiac pathology associated with sudden cardiac death in athletes, but systematic registries are needed in Asia to address the lack of epidemiological data.
Why the study?
Data on sudden cardiac death in Asian athletes remain lacking compared with Western countries, and controversy persists regarding the mandatory use of resting 12-lead ECG in pre-participation screening.
Does pre-participation cardiovascular screening prevent sudden cardiac death in athletes?
Does pre-participation cardiovascular screening prevent sudden cardiac death in athletes?
This review outlines the rationale and efficacy of pre-participation screening in athletes, emphasizing the critical need for prospective sudden cardiac death registries in Asia.
Supports pre-participation screening for pathology detection in athletes; leaves open SCD prevention impact in Asia pending registries.
Pre-participation screening (PPS) in young competitive athletes aims to identify conditions associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in this population, with a view to appropriate management and potential mitigation of risk. A medical history questionnaire and physical examination are standard components of a PPS programme, whereas controversy still exists regarding mandatory utilisation of resting 12-lead electrocardiogram as a screening tool. Apart from a landmark study from Italy attributing the reduction of SCD rates in athletes to the implementation of a mandatory PPS programme, there remains no additional compelling evidence for similar outcomes to date. Nonetheless, comprehensive PPS programmes when carried out systematically, are efficacious in detection of cardiac pathology and cost-effective. While the incidence rate of SCD in athletes from Western countries is estimated to be around 1:50,000, comparable data in Asian athletes remain lacking. Prospective registries are much needed to accurately determine the magnitude of this issue in Asia and recent recommendations on PPS in young Asian athletes have been published to increase awareness and encourage collaboration. To further reduce SCD events, prompt recognition of sudden cardiac arrests and early defibrillation are vital components in the spectrum of SCD prevention. This review aims to outline the rationale, current status and efficacy of PPS in athletes, with a focus on Asia.
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Tee Joo Yeo (2022) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death in athletes. Pre-participation cardiovascular screening was evaluated. Pre-participation cardiovascular screening is efficacious in detecting cardiac pathology associated with sudden cardiac death in athletes, but systematic registries are needed in Asia to address the lack of epidemiological data.
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