Key result
Repeated cardiac screenings in youth detect abnormalities in ~32% of participants.
Why the study?
To analyze the impacts, findings, and modalities of multiple cardiac screenings to determine whether multiple screens are necessary and useful in youth.
Do multiple repeated cardiac screenings improve the detection of abnormal findings in youth?
Observational
Yes
Do multiple repeated cardiac screenings improve the detection of abnormal findings in youth?
Repeated cardiac screening in youth yields a higher detection rate of abnormal and potentially life-threatening findings compared to a single initial screening.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Multiple youth cardiac screenings yield stable 10-13% abnormality rates; observational data leaves open necessity and utility of repeats.
BACKGROUND: To further analyze the impacts, findings, and modalities of multiple cardiac screenings to answer the question, are multiple screens necessary and useful in youth? METHODS: Over 20 years, the Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF) has offered free and low-cost cardiac screenings to youth and their families nationwide. The volunteer force has provided blood pressure and ultrasound tests to participants throughout the 20 years. After year 7, electrocardiograms were added to the screening. RESULTS: Over the 20 years, ABF abnormal findings held steady between 10% and 13%, with potential life-threatening findings at 2.5%. The participants who have experienced multiple screening tests on average would repeat within 2.5 years and have abnormal findings at 31.84%, potential life-threatening at 11.43%, and total echocardiography-related abnormal findings at 16.82%. The variance between male and female attendance by age is also noted during the review of ABF repeat screened data. Male attendance was at 59.65% and female 40.35%. The abnormality rate of males for the first visit was 10.9% followed by the second visit of 18.80%. The abnormality rate of females for the first visit was 12.22% followed by the second visit of 17.09%. A detailed analysis of abnormal findings is presented in this article. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac screening involving multiple repeated screenings appears to be effective in detecting increasing numbers of abnormal findings that can be lifesaving.
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Bates et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Prevention of sudden death. Multiple cardiac screenings vs. Initial screening was evaluated on Abnormal cardiac findings. Multiple repeated cardiac screenings in youth detected abnormal findings in 31.84% of participants and potential life-threatening findings in 11.43%.
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