Key result
Adding ECG to athlete screening vastly outperforms screening without ECG in sensitivity and cost-effectiveness.
Why the study?
Controversy exists regarding the usefulness and appropriateness of including resting 12-lead ECG in pre-participation cardiovascular screening of athletes, with differing recommendations between major cardiac societies.
Population
Competitive athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death
Comparison
Screening with ECG vs screening without ECG
Design
Review
Authors
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Supports ECG-inclusive athlete screening; leaves open mandatory adoption pending higher-level prospective validation.
Börjesson et al. (2010) conducted a review in Sudden cardiac death in competitive athletes. 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG) vs. Screening without ECG (personal history and physical examination only) was evaluated. Cardiac screening of athletes including an ECG is vastly superior in sensitivity and cost-effectiveness compared to screening without ECG, supporting its mandatory use in pre-participation exams.
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