PREVENTING SUDDEN-DEATH - CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING OF YOUNG ATHLETES

Identifying all athletes at risk for exercise-related sudden death is difficult because reliable screening is expensive. And even if a perfect screening method existed, a very large number of athletes would need to be tested to find one at risk. Unfortunately, a standard history and physical exam do not readily identify the forms of congenital heart disease that can lead to exercise-related sudden death. However, a history designed to identify symptomatic athletes and those with a family history of congenital heart disease may be the most practical screening method.