Why the study?
The risk of cardiac events increases during high-intensity physical activity common in military settings, where undetected cardiovascular disease carries profound operational, safety, and morale consequences.
This statement provides a structured approach to cardiovascular screening for military personnel to mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac death during high-intensity physical activity.
Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“Is this paper useful? yes- for novelty and impact! Key impact First international military-specific consensus on cardiovascular screening, addressing an important gap in occupational medicine. Provides practical, implementable screening algorithms for recruits (<40 years) and older personnel (≥40 years), facilitating standardized practice across military organisations. Promotes earlier detection of conditions associated with SCA/SCD, with the aim of improving both individual health and operational safety.”
“As lead author of this international, European Society of Cardiology–endorsed statement on cardiac screening in the Armed Forces, I am delighted to see this work formally published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. With the journal's newly updated Impact Factor of 10, this achievement is particularly gratifying. This initiative was a substantial undertaking, made possible only through the commitment and expertise of all collaborators. It offers a unique and ambitious perspective on how best to approach cardiovascular screening in military populations.”
“Military personnel often work in physically and psychologically demanding conditions, with additional environmental stressors such as extreme heat, cold and altitude. Undetected cardiovascular disease can have profound operational, safety and morale consequences.”
SCD risk spikes during military exertion; leaves open optimal screening strategies for asymptomatic personnel.
Sudden cardiac death, although infrequent, is a well-documented reality in young, often asymptomatic individuals. The risk of cardiac events is markedly amplified during high intensity physical activity, a circumstance commonly encountered in military environments. In this setting, undetected cardiovascular disease can have profound operational, safety, and morale consequences, particularly during high-demand duties where physiological stress is substantial and immediate medical support may be limited. This statement provides a structured approach to cardiovascular screening across all branches of military service, with the aim of promoting consistency and uniformity.
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Abela et al. (2026) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular screening was evaluated. This statement provides a structured approach to cardiovascular screening across all branches of military service to promote consistency and uniformity in preventing sudden cardiac death.
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