Key result
This article reviews the pros and cons of incorporating electrocardiograms into preparticipation screening examinations to identify young athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death.
Why the study?
Does the use of EKGs in preparticipation screening examinations help identify young athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death?
Does the use of EKGs in preparticipation screening examinations help identify young athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death?
This review highlights the ongoing controversy and discusses the pros and cons of using EKGs for preparticipation screening in young athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Highlights persistent controversy over ECG screening in young athletes; leaves open optimal preparticipation strategies pending higher-level evidence.
A sudden cardiac event or death in a young athlete is a traumatic and memorable event. These tragic events have long-lasting and widespread influences that not only affect the person's immediate family, but also have profound effects on the team, school, and entire community. Over the past several decades there has been a significant research effort in the area of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes in hopes of decreasing preventable deaths. One area of research and discussion that has emerged is the use of electrocardiograms (EKGs) in preparticipation screening examinations as a tool to help identify athletes at risk for SCD. The use of an EKG in addition to a detailed history and physical examination is a controversial and frequently debated topic. To help sort through some of the controversy, this article discusses some of the pros and cons of incorporating the EKG as a screening modality in the preparticipation evaluation for clearance to participate in sports.
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Chain et al. (2016) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Electrocardiogram (EKG) screening was evaluated. This article reviews the pros and cons of incorporating electrocardiograms into preparticipation screening examinations to identify young athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death.
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