Key result
Mandatory universal ECG screening for high school athletes is not warranted at this time due to too many unknowns regarding its efficacy, risks, and costs.
Why the study?
Should routine ECG screening be mandatory in preparticipation sports screening for young athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death?
Should routine ECG screening be mandatory in preparticipation sports screening for young athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death?
Routine ECG screening for high school athletes is not currently recommended as mandatory, but should be offered as an option after discussing risks and benefits.
Too many unknowns on ECG screening costs and risks preclude routine requirement in athletes; leaves open need for prospective trials.
UNLABELLED: All high school athletes in the United States require a preparticipation screening examination. The American Heart Association recommends a focused history and physical examination. The European Society of Cardiology recommends that all examinations include an electrocardiogram (ECG). We review the risks and costs of screening, discuss legal ramifications and analyse the ethical implications of these considerations. There are too many unknown about ECG screening to require it as routine testing for all high school athletes. CONCLUSION: Doctors must inform young athletes and their parents about the option of ECG screening and about the debate over its efficacy. Patients and parents may then choose to have an ECG or not. Mandatory universal screening is not warranted at this time.
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Patel et al. (2011) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death prevention. Preparticipation ECG screening vs. Focused history and physical examination was evaluated. Mandatory universal ECG screening for high school athletes is not warranted at this time due to too many unknowns regarding its efficacy, risks, and costs.
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