Key result
Adding routine ECG to athlete screening remains controversial due to high false positives and costs.
Why the study?
Sudden cardiac death in young competitive athletes is rare but dramatic, and optimal screening methods to identify at-risk athletes remain controversial.
Does the addition of a 12-lead ECG to the preparticipation exam reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in athletes?
Population
Young competitive athletes under 35 years and leisure-time athletes over 35 years
Comparison
Preparticipation exam (history and physical) alone versus preparticipation exam plus 12-lead ECG
Design
Review of screening practices and outcomes in multiple countries
Authors
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Supports hypothesis of distinct athlete physiology; leaves open whether findings alter screening or risk models.
Does the addition of a 12-lead ECG to the preparticipation exam reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in athletes?
Routine ECG screening in young athletes remains controversial due to conflicting international data, high costs, and a high false-positive rate driven by the low prevalence of underlying cardiac disease.
John R. Schairer (2012) conducted a review in Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes. Preparticipation exam (PPE) with or without ECG was evaluated on Sudden cardiac death. The addition of routine ECG to preparticipation screening for athletes remains controversial due to the low pretest probability of disease, high false positive rates, and significant financial costs.
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