Screening for asymptomatic coronary artery disease. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

clinicians should emphasize the primary prevention of coronary artery disease by periodically screening for high blood pressure and high serum cholesterol and by routinely investigating behavioral risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as tobacco use, dietary fat and cholesterol intake, and inadequate physical activity. Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease by means of routine electrocardiographic screening of asymptomatic persons is not recommended. It may, however, be clinically prudent to perform screening electrocardiograms in certain high-risk groups. Routine resting or exercise ECG screening before entering athletic programs is not recommended for asymptomatic children, adolescents or young adults.