[Should we perform a screening ECG among asymptomatic adults?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Diagnostic Testing

Context:

• The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common, low-cost diagnostic tool for cardiac symptoms.
• Controversy exists regarding its utility as a routine screening or cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment tool for asymptomatic adults.
• Recent studies suggest ECG may offer supplemental coronary artery disease (CAD) risk information, particularly in intermediate-risk individuals.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the role of resting ECG in the primary prevention of clinical CV outcomes in asymptomatic adults.
• To assess the impact of ECG on CV event prevention and associated healthcare costs.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations on routine ECG use in healthy populations.

Summary:

• Resting ECG is safe and accessible but its routine use for CV risk assessment in asymptomatic adults is debated.
• While ECG can add information to CAD risk stratification, especially for intermediate-risk patients, evidence on its impact on clinical outcomes is limited.
• Current data does not support routine ECG testing for the prevention of CV events in healthy, asymptomatic individuals.

Impact:

• The findings highlight the need for more robust evidence, particularly from randomized clinical trials, before routine ECG screening can be recommended.
• This research informs clinical guidelines and healthcare policy regarding the appropriate use of ECG in preventive cardiology.
• Understanding the cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of ECG is crucial for optimizing resource allocation in cardiovascular disease prevention.