Preparticipation Cardiovascular Screening: An Infrastructure Assessment in Collegiate Athletics

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Preparticipation cardiovascular screening is crucial for identifying potential risks in collegiate athletes.
• Assessing the availability of secondary diagnostic testing is vital for effective management of identified abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the infrastructure for secondary cardiovascular diagnostic testing for athletes within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
• To determine the accessibility of various cardiovascular diagnostic services across different NCAA divisions and school demographics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey distributed to NCAA team physicians.
• The survey assessed the availability of secondary cardiovascular diagnostic testing and services within a 25-mile radius.

Main Results:

• Over 97% of schools have access to resting echocardiogram, stress ECG/echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring within 25 miles.
• Cardiac MRI and electrophysiology studies are available within 25 miles for over 80% of schools.
• Genetics testing is accessible within 25 miles for 64.8% of schools.

Conclusions:

• Secondary cardiovascular testing infrastructure is readily available for NCAA athletes.
• Accessibility is consistent across divisions, regions, and school sizes, supporting comprehensive athlete care.