Current controversies in pre-participation cardiovascular screening for young competitive athletes

Pre-participation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in athletes is recommended by numerous medical and sporting societies. While there is consensus that young athletes should be screened prior to participation in competitive sports, there are on-going debates regarding the true incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), the most frequent causes of SCD, and the optimal methods for PPCS.

This review focuses on the current evidence for the incidence of SCD, causes of SCD, and the pros and cons of a history and physical exam (H&P) and electrocardiogram (ECG) in PPCS of young competitive athletes.

With significant controversy surrounding PPCS in athletes, a large-randomized trial powered for mortality is needed to assess the utility of PPCS and to define the optimal screening methods to detect cardiovascular diseases that may lead to SCD in competitive athletes. Until a trial of this caliber is created, controversy will remain and heterogeneity in care will exist. Future research should also define the optimal timing and frequency of PPCS given age-related penetrance of certain diseases, create evidence-based history questionnaires, continue to optimize ECG screening criteria, and create more learning modules for ECG interpretation in athletes.