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Lampert R, Chung EH, Ackerman MJ, Arroyo AR, Darden D, Deo R, Dolan J, Etheridge SP, Gray BR, Harmon KG, James CA, Kim JH, Krahn AD, La Gerche A, Link MS, MacIntyre C, Mont L, Salerno JC, Shah MJ. 2024 HRS expert consensus statement on arrhythmias in the athlete: Evaluation, treatment, and return to play. Heart Rhythm 2024:S1547-5271(24)02560-8. [PMID: 38763377 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Youth and adult participation in sports continues to increase, and athletes may be diagnosed with potentially arrhythmogenic cardiac conditions. This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide electrophysiologists, sports cardiologists, and associated health care team members in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of arrhythmic conditions in the athlete with the goal of facilitating return to sport and avoiding the harm caused by restriction. Expert, disease-specific risk assessment in the context of athlete symptoms and diagnoses is emphasized throughout the document. After appropriate risk assessment, management of arrhythmias geared toward return to play when possible is addressed. Other topics include shared decision-making and emergency action planning. The goal of this document is to provide evidence-based recommendations impacting all areas in the care of athletes with arrhythmic conditions. Areas in need of further study are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lampert
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Rajat Deo
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joe Dolan
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Belinda R Gray
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Andrew D Krahn
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark S Link
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Lluis Mont
- Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jack C Salerno
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Maully J Shah
- Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2
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Khorgami MR, Rezaei Y, Tabib A, Ghavidel AA, Omrani G, Mohebbi A, Peighambari MM, Emkanjoo Z, Oveisi M, Hajianfar G, Kazemborji B, Hosseini S, Samiei N. Prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities among Iranian children and adolescents and associations with blood pressure and obesity: findings from the SHED LIGHT study. Cardiol Young 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38234002 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123004304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few studies for detecting rhythm abnormalities among healthy children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic findings in the young Iranian population and its association with blood pressure and obesity. METHODS A total of 15084 children and adolescents were examined in a randomly selected population of Tehran city, Iran, between October 2017 and December 2018. Anthropometric values and blood pressure measurements were also assessed. A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded by a unique recorder, and those were examined by electrophysiologists. RESULTS All students mean age was 12.3 ± 3.1 years (6-18 years), and 52% were boys. A total of 2900 students (192.2/1000 persons; 95% confidence interval 186-198.6) had electrocardiographic abnormalities. The rate of electrocardiographic abnormalities was higher in boys than girls (p < 0.001). Electrocardiographic abnormalities were significantly higher in thin than obese students (p < 0.001), and there was a trend towards hypertensive individuals to have more electrocardiographic abnormalities compared to normotensive individuals (p = 0.063). Based on the multivariable analysis, individuals with electrocardiographic abnormalities were less likely to be girls (odds ratio 0.745, 95% confidence interval 0.682-0.814) and had a lower body mass index (odds ratio 0.961, 95% confidence interval 0.944-0.979). CONCLUSIONS In this large-scale study, there was a high prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities among young population. In addition, electrocardiographic findings were significantly influenced by increasing age, sex, obesity, and blood pressure levels. This community-based study revealed the implications of electrocardiographic screening to improve the care delivery by early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafie Khorgami
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Rezaei
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Behyan Clinic, Pardis New Town, Tehran, Iran
| | - Avisa Tabib
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza A Ghavidel
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Omrani
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mohebbi
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Peighambari
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Emkanjoo
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical & Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Oveisi
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ghasem Hajianfar
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kazemborji
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Hosseini
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Samiei
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Goff NK, Hutchinson A, Koek W, Kamat D. Meta-analysis on the Effectiveness of ECG Screening for Conditions Related to Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2023; 62:1158-1168. [PMID: 36797841 PMCID: PMC10478328 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231152857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Controversy exists over the use of electrocardiograms (ECGs) in sports pre-participation screening. We performed a meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of history and physical examination (H&P) with ECG at detecting both cardiac disease and sudden cardiac death-associated conditions (SCD-AC). Pre-participation studies published from 2015 to 2020 with athletes 10 to 35 years old were included. This yielded 28 011 athletes screened and 124 cardiac diagnoses, 103 of which were SCD-AC. A meta-analysis of log odds ratios (ORs) was conducted using a random-effects model. The ORs for the association between H&P and detecting both cardiac disease and SCD-AC were not statistically significant (OR = 3.4, P = .076; OR = 2.9, P = .078). The ORs for the association between ECG and detecting both cardiac disease and SCD-AC were statistically significant (60, P < .001; 148, P < .0001). In conclusion, the odds of detecting both cardiac disease and conditions related to SCD with ECG are greater than with H&P during sports pre-participation screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas K. Goff
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Wouter Koek
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Deepak Kamat
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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4
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Maurizi N, Fumagalli C, Skalidis I, Muller O, Armentano N, Cecchi F, Marchionni N, Olivotto I. Layman electrocardiographic screening using smartphone-based multiple‑lead ECG device in school children. Int J Cardiol 2023; 373:142-144. [PMID: 36513281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-partecipation ECG screening of large populations has a significant socioeconomic impact. Technological progress now allows for high-tech-low-cost ECG screening using validated smartphone-based devices capable of guiding to the correct performance of a 12‑lead ECG by layman with no medical background. METHODS We enrolled 728 (364, 52% males) individuals, aged 12-13 years who underwent ECG screening with a smartphone 12‑lead ECG during school hours by layman volunteers. Correct electrodes placement was provided by a validated image-processing algorithm by the smartphone camera in the App. ECG interpretation was via a telecardiology platform and alterations classified following current standards. RESULTS A total of 741 ECGs were recorded, of which 13(2%) were technically not interpretable. Mean PR, QRS and QTc were: 145 ± 22, 85 ± 19 and 387 ± 57 msec. No QTc prolongation was observed. Mean QRS axis was 15°; 26 (4%) patients presented an iRBB. T-wave inversion from V1-V3 was present in 145 (21%) subjects. Twenty-one(3%) patients were referred to second level examination: deep Q-waves in inferior leads in 12(1.6%), ventricular ectopics in 5(0.7%), anterior T-waves inversions V1-V4 in 3(0.4%); extreme right axis deviation in 1(0.3%). Second line investigations did not provide any definitive diagnosis. Total project costs (material equipment and human cost) was 14.460€, 19.51€ per individual. The potential net saving with respect to current pre-participation screening cost was 19%. CONCLUSIONS Layman 12‑lead Smartphone-ECG population screening proved feasible and effective, with a rate of non-interpretable ECG of <5%. Potential cost-saving in ECG screening and recording was 19%, providing an appealing opportunity when large campaigns should be addressed also in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Maurizi
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Carlo Fumagalli
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Ioannis Skalidis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Muller
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Franco Cecchi
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Marchionni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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5
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de Baat EC, Feijen EAM, van Niekerk JB, Mavinkurve-Groothuis AMC, Kapusta L, Loonen J, Kok WEM, Kremer LCM, van Dalen EC, van der Pal HJH. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in childhood cancer survivors treated with cardiotoxic therapy: a systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29720. [PMID: 35482534 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to assess the available literature on the prevalence and risk factors of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities after cardiotoxic treatment in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). METHODS A literature search was performed within MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (1966-11/2020) and reference lists of relevant studies. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported ECG abnormalities ≥2 years after cancer diagnosis in ≥50 CCS treated with anthracyclines, RT involving the heart region and/or mitoxantrone. Information about population, treatment, outcome, and risk factors were extracted and risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS Of 934 identified publications, 10 studies were included. Outcome definitions, treatment regimens, follow-up period, and risk of bias varied. These ECG abnormalities and prevalences were reported: major (5%-23%) and minor (12%) abnormalities according to the Minnesota Code, rhythm abnormalities (0%-12%), conduction abnormalities (0.3%-7.1%), depolarization abnormalities (0%), and repolarization abnormalities (0%-65%). The reported risk factors of ECG abnormalities (two studies) are male sex, anthracyclines, RT involving the heart region, and hypertension, although results were not univocal between studies and abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Multiple ECG abnormalities have been described in CCS ≥2 years from diagnosis, some of which can have important implications. Future research is needed to evaluate the exact long-term incidence and risk factors, and to investigate their clinical relevance and relation with cardiac dysfunction or future cardiac events. This could improve cardiac surveillance for CCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée C de Baat
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jorrit B van Niekerk
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Livia Kapusta
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacqueline Loonen
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter E M Kok
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Heart Center; department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leontien C M Kremer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Giovanardi P, Vernia C, Tincani E, Giberti C, Silipo F, Fabbo A. Combined Effects of Age and Comorbidities on Electrocardiographic Parameters in a Large Non-Selected Population. J Clin Med 2022; 11:3737. [PMID: 35807018 PMCID: PMC9267325 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have evaluated average electrocardiographic (ECG) values in healthy subjects or specific subpopulations. However, none have evaluated ECG average values in not selected populations, so we examined ECG changes with respect to age and sex in a large primary population. Methods: From digitized ECG stored from 2008 to 2021 in the Modena province, 130,471 patients were enrolled. Heart rate, P, QRS and T wave axis, P, QRS and T wave duration, PR interval, QTc, and frontal QRS-T angle were evaluated. Results: All ECG parameters showed a dependence on age, but only some of them with a straight-line correlation: QRS axis (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.991, r = 0.996), PR interval (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.978, r = 0.989), QTc (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.935, r = 0.967), and, in over 51.5 years old, QRS-T angle (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.979, r = 0.956). Differences between females and males and in different clinical settings were observed. Conclusions: ECG changes with ageing are explainable by intrinsic modifications of the heart and thorax and with the appearance of cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities. Age-related reference values were computed and applicable in clinical practice. Significant deviations from mean values and from Z-scores should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Giovanardi
- Cardiology Service, Department of Primary Care, Health Authority and Services of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Cardiology Unit, Ospedale S. Agostino–Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, 41126 Baggiovara, Italy
| | - Cecilia Vernia
- Department of Physics, Informatic and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Enrico Tincani
- Internal Medicine Division, Ospedale S. Agostino–Estense, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, 41126 Baggiovara, Italy;
| | - Claudio Giberti
- Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Federico Silipo
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Health Authority and Services and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Andrea Fabbo
- Geriatric Service—Cognitive Disorders and Dementia, Department of Primary Care, Health Authority and Services of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy;
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7
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Krivenko GS, Ribeiro ER, Walker S, Mercado-Gonzalez C, Sima S, Ernst E, Tisma-Dupanovic S, Dadlani GH. Feasibility of electrocardiogram screening in the USA prior to high school sport participation. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2022.101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Mancone M, Maestrini V, Fusto A, Adamo F, Scarparo P, D’Ambrosi A, Cinque A, Gatto MC, Salvi N, Agnes G, Pucci M, Birtolo LI, Marruncheddu L, Genuini I, De Lazzari C, Severino P, Giunta G, Lavalle C, Fegatelli DA, Vestri A, Fedele F. ECG evaluation in 11 949 Italian teenagers: results of screening in secondary school. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2022; 23:98-105. [PMID: 34570036 PMCID: PMC8855949 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM There is lack of evidence regarding the screening role of ECG for sudden cardiac death (SCD) prevention. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of ECG abnormalities among teenagers according to sport participation and competitive status. METHODS Eleven thousand nine hundred and forty-nine Italian pupils from 179 secondary schools (13-19 years) were consecutively enrolled. ECG abnormalities were divided into minor and major. Medical history, clinical examination and sport activity information were acquired. Further evaluations were suggested in case of major ECG abnormalities. Follow-up was performed at 2 years. RESULTS N = 1945 (16%) pupils had ECG abnormalities. Major ECG abnormalities were detected in 13% of the cohort, minor in 34%. ECG abnormalities were more common in nonathletes compared with athletes. A diagnosis of cardiac disease was reached in 25 (1.6%) of the pupils with major ECG abnormalities. CONCLUSION ECG abnormalities are common among young populations and more prevalent in nonathletes. Among pupils with major ECG abnormalities 1.6% had a cardiac disease diagnosis. Our results are in line with the data supporting ECG screening in the general young population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Mancone
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Viviana Maestrini
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Antonio Fusto
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Francesco Adamo
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Paola Scarparo
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Alessandra D’Ambrosi
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Alessandra Cinque
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Maria Chiara Gatto
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Nicolò Salvi
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Gianluca Agnes
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Mariateresa Pucci
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Lucia Ilaria Birtolo
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Laura Marruncheddu
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Igino Genuini
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | | | - Paolo Severino
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Giuseppe Giunta
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Carlo Lavalle
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Danilo Alunni Fegatelli
- Department of Public Health and Infections Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Vestri
- Department of Public Health and Infections Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
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9
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Toresdahl BG, Masters C, Drezner JA. Dr Joseph Marek and Young Hearts for Life: over a quarter-million screening tests and counting! Br J Sports Med 2021; 56:173-174. [PMID: 34862171 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brett G Toresdahl
- Primary Care Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christina Masters
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Noordman ID, Fejzic Z, Bos M, Duijnhouwer AL, Weijers G, Kempers M, Merkx R, van der Velden JAEM, Kapusta L. Cardiac abnormalities in girls with Turner syndrome: ECG abnormalities, myocardial strain imaging, and karyotype-phenotype associations. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:2399-2408. [PMID: 33969942 PMCID: PMC8359841 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal condition which is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiac morbidity and mortality. In this cross‐sectional study, Minnesota‐based electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, aortic dimensions, routine‐ and myocardial strain echocardiographic parameters, and karyotype‐cardiac phenotype associations were assessed in girls with TS. In total, 101 girls with TS (0–18 years) were included. The prevalence of major ECG abnormalities was 2% (T‐wave abnormalities) and 39% had minor ECG abnormalities. Dilatation of the ascending aorta (z‐score > 2) was present in 16%, but the prevalence was much lower when using TS‐specific z‐scores. No left ventricular hypertrophy was detected and the age‐matched global longitudinal strain was reduced in only 6% of the patients. Cardiac abnormalities seemed more common in patients with a non‐mosaic 45,X karyotype compared with other karyotypes, although no statistically significant association was found. Lowering the frequency of echocardiography and ECG screening might be considered in girls with TS without cardiovascular malformations and/or risk factors for aortic dissection. Nevertheless, a large prospective study is needed to confirm our results. The appropriate z‐score for the assessment of aortic dilatation remains an important knowledge gap. The karyotype was not significantly associated with the presence of cardiac abnormalities, therefore cardiac screening should not depend on karyotype alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris D Noordman
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Zina Fejzic
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Bos
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gert Weijers
- Medical Imaging, Medical UltraSound Imaging Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Kempers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Remy Merkx
- Medical Imaging, Medical UltraSound Imaging Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janiëlle A E M van der Velden
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Livia Kapusta
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Pediatric cardiology unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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11
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Abela M, Sharma S. Electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2020; 69:533-556. [PMID: 33059398 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.20.05331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Participation in regular exercise of moderate intensity is associated with a plethora of systemic benefits, including a reduction in risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis; however, intensive exercise may paradoxically culminate in sudden cardiac arrest among individuals harboring arrhythmogenic substrates. The precise mechanism for arrhythmogenesis is likely multifactorial, however, surges in catecholamines, electrolyte shifts, acid-base disturbances, increased core temperature and demand myocardial ischemia are potential contributors. Although most deaths occur in middle aged and older males with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, a significant proportion also affect young athletes with inherited or congenital cardiac abnormalities. The impact of such catastrophes on society, particularly when a young high-profile athlete is affected could be considered a justified reason for identifying individuals who may be at risk. Given the rarity of deaths in young athletes, only the simplest screening test, such as the 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) may be considered to be cost effective. The ECG is effective for detecting serious electrical diseases in young athletes such as congenital electrical accessory pathways and ion channel diseases but can also identify athletes with potential life-threatening structural diseases such as hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. One of the concerns about ECG screening is that regular intensive exercise results in several physiological alterations in cardiac structure and function that are reflected on the athlete's ECG. Sinus bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular block, incomplete right bundle branch block, minor J-point elevation and large QRS voltages are common. Conversely, some repolarization anomalies affecting the ST segment, T waves and QT interval may overlap with patterns observed in patients with serious cardiac diseases. The situation is complicated further because age, sex and ethnicity of the athletes also influence the ECG and there is a risk that erroneous interpretation could have serious consequences. This review will describe the normal electrical patterns of the "athlete's heart" and provide insights into differentiation physiological electrical patterns from those observed in serious cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abela
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta - .,Malta Medical School, University of Malta, Msida, Malta - .,St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University, London, UK -
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University, London, UK
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12
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Couper K, Putt O, Field R, Poole K, Bradlow W, Clarke A, Perkins GD, Royle P, Yeung J, Taylor-Phillips S. Incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040815. [PMID: 33033034 PMCID: PMC7542928 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise studies describing incidence of sudden cardiac death in a general population of young individuals to inform screening policy. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Database searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (all inception to current) on 29 April 2019 (updated 16 November 2019), and forward/backward citation tracking of eligible studies. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA All studies that reported incidence of sudden cardiac death in young individuals (12-39 years) in a general population, with no restriction on language or date. Planned subgroups were incidence by age, sex, race and athletic status (including military personnel). DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted study data and assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. ANALYSIS Reported incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young per 100 000 person-years. RESULTS 38 studies that reported incidence across five continents. We identified substantial heterogeneity in population, sudden cardiac death definition, and case ascertainment methods, precluding meta-analysis. Median reported follow-up years was 6.97 million (IQR 2.34 million-23.70 million) and number of sudden cardiac death cases was 64 (IQR 40-251). In the general population, the median of reported incidence was 1.7 sudden cardiac death per 100 000 person-years (IQR 1.3-2.6, range 0.75-11.9). Most studies (n=14, 54%) reported an incidence between one and two cases per 100 000 person-years. Incidence was higher in males and older individuals. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review identified variability in the reported incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young across studies. Most studies reported an incidence between one and two cases per 100 000 person-years. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019120563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Couper
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
- Critical Care Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Oliver Putt
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Richard Field
- Critical Care Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kurtis Poole
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - William Bradlow
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aileen Clarke
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Gavin D Perkins
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
- Critical Care Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Pamela Royle
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Joyce Yeung
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
- Critical Care Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sian Taylor-Phillips
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
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13
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(Right ventricle in athletes). COR ET VASA 2020. [DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Abela M, Sharma S. Abnormal ECG Findings in Athletes: Clinical Evaluation and Considerations. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2019; 21:95. [PMID: 31865466 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-019-0794-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation with electrocardiography is normal practice for most sporting bodies. Awareness about sudden cardiac death in athletes and recognizing how screening can help identify vulnerable athletes have empowered different sporting disciplines to invest in the wellbeing of their athletes. RECENT FINDINGS Discerning physiological electrical alterations due to athletic training from those representing cardiac pathology may be challenging. The mode of investigation of affected athletes is dependent on the electrical anomaly and the disease(s) in question. This review will highlight specific pathological ECG patterns that warrant assessment and surveillance, together with an in-depth review of the recommended algorithm for evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abela
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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15
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Sharma S, Drezner JA, Baggish A, Papadakis M, Wilson MG, Prutkin JM, La Gerche A, Ackerman MJ, Borjesson M, Salerno JC, Asif IM, Owens DS, Chung EH, Emery MS, Froelicher VF, Heidbuchel H, Adamuz C, Asplund CA, Cohen G, Harmon KG, Marek JC, Molossi S, Niebauer J, Pelto HF, Perez MV, Riding NR, Saarel T, Schmied CM, Shipon DM, Stein R, Vetter VL, Pelliccia A, Corrado D. International recommendations for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Eur Heart J 2019; 39:1466-1480. [PMID: 28329355 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport. A variety of mostly hereditary, structural, or electrical cardiac disorders are associated with SCD in young athletes, the majority of which can be identified or suggested by abnormalities on a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Whether used for diagnostic or screening purposes, physicians responsible for the cardiovascular care of athletes should be knowledgeable and competent in ECG interpretation in athletes. However, in most countries a shortage of physician expertise limits wider application of the ECG in the care of the athlete. A critical need exists for physician education in modern ECG interpretation that distinguishes normal physiological adaptations in athletes from distinctly abnormal findings suggestive of underlying pathology. Since the original 2010 European Society of Cardiology recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes, ECG standards have evolved quickly over the last decade; pushed by a growing body of scientific data that both tests proposed criteria sets and establishes new evidence to guide refinements. On 26-27 February 2015, an international group of experts in sports cardiology, inherited cardiac disease, and sports medicine convened in Seattle, Washington, to update contemporary standards for ECG interpretation in athletes. The objective of the meeting was to define and revise ECG interpretation standards based on new and emerging research and to develop a clear guide to the proper evaluation of ECG abnormalities in athletes. This statement represents an international consensus for ECG interpretation in athletes and provides expert opinion-based recommendations linking specific ECG abnormalities and the secondary evaluation for conditions associated with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusettes General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | - Jordan M Prutkin
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Department of Cardiology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, MN, USA
| | - Mats Borjesson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Jack C Salerno
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Irfan M Asif
- Department of Family Medicine, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - David S Owens
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, NC, USA
| | - Michael S Emery
- Center of Cardiovascular Care in Athletics, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
| | | | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, Arrhythmology Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | | | - Gordon Cohen
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly G Harmon
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Silvana Molossi
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
| | - Josef Niebauer
- University Institute of Sports Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Austria
| | - Hank F Pelto
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marco V Perez
- Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Nathan R Riding
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | - Tess Saarel
- Pediatric Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, OH, USA
| | | | - David M Shipon
- Heart Center of Philadelphia, Jefferson University Hospitals, PA, USA
| | - Ricardo Stein
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Clinicas de Porte Allegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Italy
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16
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Waase MP, Mutharasan RK, Whang W, DiTullio MR, DiFiori JP, Callahan L, Mancell J, Phelan D, Schwartz A, Homma S, Engel DJ. Electrocardiographic Findings in National Basketball Association Athletes. JAMA Cardiol 2019; 3:69-74. [PMID: 29214319 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2017.4572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance While it is known that long-term intensive athletic training is associated with cardiac structural changes that can be reflected on surface electrocardiograms (ECGs), there is a paucity of sport-specific ECG data. This study seeks to clarify the applicability of existing athlete ECG interpretation criteria to elite basketball players, an athlete group shown to develop significant athletic cardiac remodeling. Objective To generate normative ECG data for National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes and to assess the accuracy of athlete ECG interpretation criteria in this population. Design, Setting, and Participants The NBA has partnered with Columbia University Medical Center to annually perform a review of policy-mandated annual preseason ECGs and stress echocardiograms for all players and predraft participants. This observational study includes the preseason ECG examinations of NBA athletes who participated in the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons, plus all participants in the 2014 and 2015 NBA predraft combines. Examinations were performed from July 2013 to May 2015. Data analysis was performed between December 2015 and March 2017. Exposures Active roster or draft status in the NBA and routine preseason ECGs and echocardiograms. Main Outcomes and Measures Baseline quantitative ECG variables were measured and ECG data qualitatively analyzed using 3 existing, athlete-specific interpretation criteria: Seattle (2012), refined (2014), and international (2017). Abnormal ECG findings were compared with matched echocardiographic data. Results Of 519 male athletes, 409 (78.8%) were African American, 96 (18.5%) were white, and the remaining 14 (2.7%) were of other races/ethnicities; 115 were predraft combine participants, and the remaining 404 were on active rosters of NBA teams. The mean (SD) age was 24.8 (4.3) years. Physiologic, training-related changes were present in 462 (89.0%) athletes in the study. Under Seattle criteria, 131 (25.2%) had abnormal findings, compared with 108 (20.8%) and 81 (15.6%) under refined and international criteria, respectively. Increased age and increased left ventricular relative wall thickness (RWT) on echocardiogram were highly associated with abnormal ECG classifications; 17 of 186 athletes (9.1%) in the youngest age group (age 18-22 years) had abnormal ECGs compared with 36 of the 159 athletes (22.6%) in the oldest age group (age 27-39 years) (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6-5.4; P < .001). Abnormal T-wave inversions (TWI) were present in 32 athletes (6.2%), and this was associated with smaller left ventricular cavity size and increased RWT. One of the 172 athletes (0.6%) in the lowest RWT group (range, 0.24-0.35) had TWIs compared with 24 of the 163 athletes (14.7%) in the highest RWT group (range, 0.41-0.57) (odds ratio, 29.5; 95% CI, 3.9-221.0; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance Despite the improved specificity of the international recommendations over previous athlete-specific ECG criteria, abnormal ECG classification rates remain high in NBA athletes. The development of left ventricular concentric remodeling appears to have a significant influence on the prevalence of abnormal ECG classification and repolarization abnormalities in this athlete group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Waase
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - R Kannan Mutharasan
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - William Whang
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Marco R DiTullio
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - John P DiFiori
- National Basketball Association, New York, New York.,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles.,Department of Orthopedics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Lisa Callahan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Jimmie Mancell
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
| | - Dermot Phelan
- Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Allan Schwartz
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Shunichi Homma
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - David J Engel
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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17
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Baggish AL. Prolonged Systole and Reduced Ejection Fraction among Competitive Athletes: Slow and Low but Able to Go. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:997-999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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18
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Calò L, Martino A, Tranchita E, Sperandii F, Guerra E, Quaranta F, Parisi A, Nigro A, Sciarra L, Ruvo ED, Casasco M, Pigozzi F. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation of a large cohort of peri-pubertal soccer players during pre-participation screening. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 26:1444-1455. [PMID: 30696262 DOI: 10.1177/2047487319826312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities in young athletes may be helpful not only to identify subjects potentially at risk of sudden cardiac death but also to prevent stress-related cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular events during the life of these subjects. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in a population of young male soccer players undergoing pre-participation screening through electrocardiogram and trans-thoracic echocardiography. METHODS All consecutive male football players undergoing pre-participation screening comprehensive of medical history, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram and trans-thoracic echocardiography at the FMSI Sport Medicine Institute in Rome between January 2008-March 2009 were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Overall, 2261 consecutive young athletes aged 12.4 ± 2.6 years were evaluated. Training-unrelated electrocardiogram abnormalities were observed in 65 (2.9%) athletes. Abnormal trans-thoracic echocardiography was observed in 102 athletes (4.5%), including two cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, eight of mild left ventricular hypertrophy, six of mild left ventricular dilation and 17 of bicuspid aortic valve. An abnormal electrocardiogram was associated with anomalous trans-thoracic echocardiography in 11/65 (16.9%) cases. All athletes requiring sport disqualification were identified by electrocardiogram. Notably, among 2216 athletes with a normal electrocardiogram, 91 had abnormal trans-thoracic echocardiography, including six cases of left ventricular dilation and six of ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS In a wide population of peri-pubertal male athletes, evaluation of the electrocardiogram identified all cardiac diseases requiring sport disqualification. Trans-thoracic echocardiography alone allowed the identification of cardiac abnormalities potentially leading to cardiomyopathies or major cardiovascular events over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Calò
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Italy
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
- 3 Italian Federation of Sport Medicine (FMSI) Institute, Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
| | | | - Eliana Tranchita
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
| | - Fabio Sperandii
- 4 Operating Unit of Sport Medicine and Physical Activity Promotion, AUSL Piacenza, Italy
| | - Emanuele Guerra
- 5 Operating Unit of Sport Medicine, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Quaranta
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
| | - Attilio Parisi
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
| | - Antonia Nigro
- 3 Italian Federation of Sport Medicine (FMSI) Institute, Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Pigozzi
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Italy
- 2 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Italy
- 3 Italian Federation of Sport Medicine (FMSI) Institute, Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
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Schneiter S, Trachsel LD, Perrin T, Albrecht S, Pirrello T, Eser P, Gojanovic B, Menafoglio A, Wilhelm M. Inter-observer agreement in athletes ECG interpretation using the recent international recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes among observers with different levels of expertise. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206072. [PMID: 30462649 PMCID: PMC6248914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION International criteria for the interpretation of the athlete's electrocardiogram (ECG) have been proposed. We aimed to evaluate the inter-observer agreement among observers with different levels of expertise. METHODS Consecutive ECGs of Swiss elite athletes (≥14 years), recorded during routine pre-participation screening between 2013 and 2016 at the Swiss Federal Institute of Sports were analysed. A medical student (A), a cardiology fellow (B) and an electrophysiologist (C) interpreted the ECG's independently according to the most recent criteria. The frequencies and percentages for each observer were calculated. An inter-observer reliability analysis using Cohen Kappa (κ) statistics was used to determine consistency among observers. RESULTS A total of 287 ECGs (64.1% males) were analysed. Mean age of the athletes was 20.4±4.9 years. The prevalence of abnormal ECG findings was 1.4%. Both, normal and borderline findings in athletes showed moderate to good agreement between all observers. κ scores for abnormal findings resulted in excellent agreement (κ 0.855 in observer A vs C and B vs C to κ 1.000 in observer A vs B). Overall agreement ranged from moderate (κ 0.539; 0.419-0.685 95% CI) between observer B vs C to good agreement (κ 0.720; 0.681-0.821 95% CI) between observer A vs B. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort of elite athletes had a low prevalence of abnormal ECGs. Agreement in abnormal ECG findings with the use of the recently published International recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes among observers with different levels of expertise was excellent. ECG interpretation resulted in moderate to good overall agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Schneiter
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
| | - L. D. Trachsel
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
| | - T. Perrin
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
| | - S. Albrecht
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sports, Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - T. Pirrello
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sports, Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - P. Eser
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
| | - B. Gojanovic
- La Tour Sport Medicine, Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Hôpital de La Tour, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A. Menafoglio
- Clinic for Cardiology, Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - M. Wilhelm
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), Bern, Switzerland
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20
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Santini M, Di Fusco SA, Colivicchi F, Gargaro A. Electrocardiographic characteristics, anthropometric features, and cardiovascular risk factors in a large cohort of adolescents. Europace 2018; 20:1833-1840. [PMID: 29688314 PMCID: PMC6212775 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The characteristics of electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns in the general population of adolescents are insufficiently defined. The purpose of this study is to report ECG patterns and their association with anthropometric characteristics. Methods and results Twenty-four thousand and sixty-two students of Roman schools, aged 12–19, were screened with ECG and physical examinations. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were classified as either minor/non-clinically relevant or major, and anthropometric measures were evaluated per age class. Obesity prevalence was 20.9%, with a higher rate in younger students (P < 0.008 for all comparisons, except for the pair 16–17 vs. 18–19 years). Stage 1 hypertension was found in 3.14% of adolescents, Stage 2 hypertension in 0.45% of adolescents, and isolated systolic hypertension in 11.7% of adolescents. Heart rate and QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) decreased with increasing age. The QTc was longer in females than in males over 14 years. A higher rate of incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) was observed in underweight students (21.58% vs. 15.10% in non-underweight students, P < 0.0001). Complete RBBB was the most common major ECG abnormality (1.6%). It was associated with height irrespective of age, sex, and body mass index (odds ratio 17.9; 95% confidence interval 5.0–64.6) and more frequent in students regularly practicing physical activity (1.80% vs. 1.02%, P = 0.0009). Conclusion Heart rate and QTc decreased with increasing age. The QTc was longer in females than in males over 14 years. RBBB was the most common major abnormality and was associated with higher stature. The prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefania Angela Di Fusco
- Cardiology Unit, Emergency Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, via Martinotti, Rome, Italy
- Corresponding author. Tel: +39 349 1500982; fax: +39 066 4812528. E-mail address:
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Cardiology Unit, Emergency Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, via Martinotti, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Gargaro
- Clinical Research Department, Biotronik Italy S.p.A, viale delle industrie 11, Vimodrone, Milan, Italy
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21
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Prutkin JM, Wilson MG. Electrocardiography in athletes: normal and abnormal findings. Heart 2018; 104:1902-1909. [PMID: 30121634 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many sporting organisations recommend a pre-participation ECG to screen for disorders which predispose to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The ability of the ECG to perform accurately is dependent on the ECG criteria used and the experience of the operator. There have been several ECG criteria over the last decade, though these were recently superseded with the publication of the 'International Consensus Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes'. These criteria use the latest evidence to improve specificity while maintaining sensitivity for ECG-detectable pathologies associated with SCA. Accordingly, this review describes the normal, borderline and abnormal ECG findings in an asymptomatic athlete aged 12-35 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Prutkin
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Sports Medicine Department, ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.,Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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22
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AMSSM Position Statement on Cardiovascular Preparticipation Screening in Athletes: Current Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, Recommendations, and Future Directions: Erratum. Clin J Sport Med 2018; 28:324. [PMID: 29762263 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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23
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Abstract
The aim was to assess the utility and feasibility of a comprehensive cardiac screening protocol in young athletes before participation in sports. A total of 380 athletes referring before participation in sports, between April, 2014 and April, 2015, were included in this study. The mean age was 12.4 years. A screening protocol has been applied to all, including personal and family history, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, 24-hour rhythm Holter analysis, and treadmill exercise test. The most frequent complaints were chest pain in 19 (5%), dyspnoea in 13 (3.4%), and dizziness and fainting in five patients (1.3%) on exercise. There was sudden death and arrhythmia in 41 patients (10.7%) owing to family history. Heart murmur was present in 20 (5.2%) and hypertension in 10 patients (2.6%) on physical examination. The 12-lead electrocardiography was abnormal in 9 patients (2.4%). The findings of transthoracic echocardiography were insignificant in 47 patients (12.3%) and in five patients (1.3%) a haemodynamically important condition was detected. The 24-hour rhythm Holter analysis was abnormal in six patients (1.5%). There were significant ST changes in two patients (0.5%) on treadmill exercise test with normal findings on myocardial perfusion scans. No significant relation was present between findings of screening protocol and transthoracic echocardiography, 24-hour rhythm Holter analysis, or treadmill exercise test results. Pre-participation screening in young athletes should consist of a targeted personal history, family history, physical examination, and 12-lead electrocardiography. Other tests should be applied only if the screening indicates the presence of a cardiovascular disease.
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24
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Raukar N, Arciero E, Noyes A, Drezner J, Weiss J. Cardiovascular pre-participation screening in the young athlete: addressing concerns. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2017; 45:365-369. [PMID: 28816570 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2017.1363622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Raukar
- a Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Sports Medicine , Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Emily Arciero
- b Department of Pediatric Surgery , Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Adam Noyes
- c Department of Cardiology , Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Fellow , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Jonathan Drezner
- d University of Washington, Department of Family Medicine , Center for Sports Cardiology , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Joseph Weiss
- e Department of Cardiology , Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
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25
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Serratosa-Fernández L, Pascual-Figal D, Masiá-Mondéjar MD, Sanz-de la Garza M, Madaria-Marijuan Z, Gimeno-Blanes JR, Adamuz C. Comentarios a los nuevos criterios internacionales para la interpretación del electrocardiograma del deportista. Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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26
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Serratosa-Fernández L, Pascual-Figal D, Masiá-Mondéjar MD, Sanz-de la Garza M, Madaria-Marijuan Z, Gimeno-Blanes JR, Adamuz C. Comments on the New International Criteria for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 70:983-990. [PMID: 28928069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death is the most common medical cause of death during the practice of sports. Several structural and electrical cardiac conditions are associated with sudden cardiac death in athletes, most of them showing abnormal findings on resting electrocardiogram (ECG). However, because of the similarity between some ECG findings associated with physiological adaptations to exercise training and those of certain cardiac conditions, ECG interpretation in athletes is often challenging. Other factors related to ECG findings are race, age, sex, sports discipline, training intensity, and athletic background. Specific training and experience in ECG interpretation in athletes are therefore necessary. Since 2005, when the first recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology were published, growing scientific evidence has increased the specificity of ECG standards, thus lowering the false-positive rate while maintaining sensitivity. New international consensus guidelines have recently been published on ECG interpretation in athletes, which are the result of consensus among a group of experts in cardiology and sports medicine who gathered for the first time in February 2015 in Seattle, in the United States. The document is an important milestone because, in addition to updating the standards for ECG interpretation, it includes recommendations on appropriate assessment of athletes with abnormal ECG findings. The present article reports and discusses the most novel and relevant aspects of the new standards. Nevertheless, a complete reading of the original consensus document is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Serratosa-Fernández
- Servicio de Rehabilitación, Fisioterapia y Medicina del Deporte, Unidad de Cardiología del Deporte, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Domingo Pascual-Figal
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Zigor Madaria-Marijuan
- Unidad de Rehabilitación Cardiaca y Valoración Funcional, Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Unidad de Rehabilitación Cardiaca del IMQ, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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27
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Sharma S, Drezner JA, Baggish A, Papadakis M, Wilson MG, Prutkin JM, La Gerche A, Ackerman MJ, Borjesson M, Salerno JC, Asif IM, Owens DS, Chung EH, Emery MS, Froelicher VF, Heidbuchel H, Adamuz C, Asplund CA, Cohen G, Harmon KG, Marek JC, Molossi S, Niebauer J, Pelto HF, Perez MV, Riding NR, Saarel T, Schmied CM, Shipon DM, Stein R, Vetter VL, Pelliccia A, Corrado D. International Recommendations for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 69:1057-1075. [PMID: 28231933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport. A variety of mostly hereditary, structural, or electrical cardiac disorders are associated with SCD in young athletes, the majority of which can be identified or suggested by abnormalities on a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Whether used for diagnostic or screening purposes, physicians responsible for the cardiovascular care of athletes should be knowledgeable and competent in ECG interpretation in athletes. However, in most countries a shortage of physician expertise limits wider application of the ECG in the care of the athlete. A critical need exists for physician education in modern ECG interpretation that distinguishes normal physiological adaptations in athletes from distinctly abnormal findings suggestive of underlying pathology. Since the original 2010 European Society of Cardiology recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes, ECG standards have evolved quickly over the last decade; pushed by a growing body of scientific data that both tests proposed criteria sets and establishes new evidence to guide refinements. On February 26-27, 2015, an international group of experts in sports cardiology, inherited cardiac disease, and sports medicine convened in Seattle, Washington, to update contemporary standards for ECG interpretation in athletes. The objective of the meeting was to define and revise ECG interpretation standards based on new and emerging research and to develop a clear guide to the proper evaluation of ECG abnormalities in athletes. This statement represents an international consensus for ECG interpretation in athletes and provides expert opinion-based recommendations linking specific ECG abnormalities and the secondary evaluation for conditions associated with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St George's University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | - Jordan M Prutkin
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Department of Cardiology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mats Borjesson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Jack C Salerno
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Irfan M Asif
- Department of Family Medicine, University of South Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - David S Owens
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael S Emery
- Center of Cardiovascular Care in Athletics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, Arrhythmology Hasselt University, Belgium; Department of Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | | | - Gordon Cohen
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Kimberly G Harmon
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Silvana Molossi
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Josef Niebauer
- University Institute of Sports Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Austria
| | - Hank F Pelto
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Marco V Perez
- Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Nathan R Riding
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | - Tess Saarel
- Pediatric Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - David M Shipon
- Heart Center of Philadelphia, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ricardo Stein
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Clinicas de Porte Allegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Italy
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28
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Drezner JA, Sharma S, Baggish A, Papadakis M, Wilson MG, Prutkin JM, Gerche AL, Ackerman MJ, Borjesson M, Salerno JC, Asif IM, Owens DS, Chung EH, Emery MS, Froelicher VF, Heidbuchel H, Adamuz C, Asplund CA, Cohen G, Harmon KG, Marek JC, Molossi S, Niebauer J, Pelto HF, Perez MV, Riding NR, Saarel T, Schmied CM, Shipon DM, Stein R, Vetter VL, Pelliccia A, Corrado D. International criteria for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes: Consensus statement. Br J Sports Med 2017; 51:704-731. [PMID: 28258178 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport. A variety of mostly hereditary, structural or electrical cardiac disorders are associated with SCD in young athletes, the majority of which can be identified or suggested by abnormalities on a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Whether used for diagnostic or screening purposes, physicians responsible for the cardiovascular care of athletes should be knowledgeable and competent in ECG interpretation in athletes. However, in most countries a shortage of physician expertise limits wider application of the ECG in the care of the athlete. A critical need exists for physician education in modern ECG interpretation that distinguishes normal physiological adaptations in athletes from distinctly abnormal findings suggestive of underlying pathology. Since the original 2010 European Society of Cardiology recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes, ECG standards have evolved quickly, advanced by a growing body of scientific data and investigations that both examine proposed criteria sets and establish new evidence to guide refinements. On 26-27 February 2015, an international group of experts in sports cardiology, inherited cardiac disease, and sports medicine convened in Seattle, Washington (USA), to update contemporary standards for ECG interpretation in athletes. The objective of the meeting was to define and revise ECG interpretation standards based on new and emerging research and to develop a clear guide to the proper evaluation of ECG abnormalities in athletes. This statement represents an international consensus for ECG interpretation in athletes and provides expert opinion-based recommendations linking specific ECG abnormalities and the secondary evaluation for conditions associated with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, US
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jordan M Prutkin
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Paediatric, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mats Borjesson
- Department of Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg, Sweden.,Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Jack C Salerno
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, US
| | - Irfan M Asif
- Department of Family Medicine, University of South Carolina, Greenville, USA
| | - David S Owens
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael S Emery
- Center of Cardiovascular Care in Athletics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Gordon Cohen
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA.,Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kimberly G Harmon
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Silvana Molossi
- Division of Pediatric, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Josef Niebauer
- University Institute of Sports Medicine, Research Institute of Molecular Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hank F Pelto
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marco V Perez
- Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nathan R Riding
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tess Saarel
- Department of Pediatrics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - David M Shipon
- Heart Centre of Philadelphia, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ricardo Stein
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victoria L Vetter
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac Science, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy.,Department of Thoracic Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy.,Department of Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy
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29
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Pourier MS, Mavinkurve-Groothuis AMC, Loonen J, Bökkerink JPM, Roeleveld N, Beer G, Bellersen L, Kapusta L. Is screening for abnormal ECG patterns justified in long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines? Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64. [PMID: 27654133 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ECG and echocardiography are noninvasive screening tools to detect subclinical cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Our aims were as follows: (1) assess the prevalence of abnormal ECG patterns, (2) determine the agreement between abnormal ECG patterns and echocardiographic abnormalities; and (3) determine whether ECG screening for subclinical cardiotoxicity in CCSs is justified. PROCEDURE We retrospectively studied ECG and echocardiography in asymptomatic CCSs more than 5 years after anthracycline treatment. Exclusion criteria were abnormal ECG and/or echocardiogram at the start of therapy, incomplete follow-up data, clinical heart failure, cardiac medication, and congenital heart disease. ECG abnormalities were classified using the Minnesota Code. Level of agreement between ECG and echocardiography was calculated with Cohen kappa. RESULTS We included 340 survivors with a mean follow-up of 14.5 years (range 5-32). ECG was abnormal in 73 survivors (21.5%), with ventricular conduction disorders, sinus bradycardia, and high-amplitude R waves being most common. Prolonged QTc (>0.45 msec) was found in two survivors, both with a cumulative anthracycline dose of 300 mg/m2 or higher. Echocardiography showed abnormalities in 44 survivors (12.9%), mostly mild valvular abnormalities. The level of agreement between ECG and echocardiography was low (kappa 0.09). Male survivors more often had an abnormal ECG (corrected odds ratio: 3.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.68-5.37). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal ECG patterns were present in 21% of asymptomatic long-term CCSs. Lack of agreement between abnormal ECG patterns and echocardiographic abnormalities may suggest that ECG is valuable in long-term follow-up of CCSs. However, it is not clear whether these abnormal ECG patterns will be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milanthy S Pourier
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jacqueline Loonen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos P M Bökkerink
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nel Roeleveld
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gil Beer
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Louise Bellersen
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Livia Kapusta
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Children's Heart Centre, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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30
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Drezner JA, O'Connor FG, Harmon KG, Fields KB, Asplund CA, Asif IM, Price DE, Dimeff RJ, Bernhardt DT, Roberts WO. AMSSM Position Statement on Cardiovascular Preparticipation Screening in Athletes: Current Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, Recommendations and Future Directions. Curr Sports Med Rep 2017; 15:359-75. [PMID: 27618246 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular screening in young athletes is widely recommended and routinely performed prior to participation in competitive sports. While there is general agreement that early detection of cardiac conditions at risk for sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) is an important objective, the optimal strategy for cardiovascular screening in athletes remains an issue of considerable debate. At the center of the controversy is the addition of a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) to the standard preparticipation evaluation using history and physical examination. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) formed a task force to address the current evidence and knowledge gaps regarding preparticipation cardiovascular screening in athletes from the perspective of a primary care sports medicine physician. The absence of definitive outcomes-based evidence at this time precludes AMSSM from endorsing any single or universal cardiovascular screening strategy for all athletes, including legislative mandates. This statement presents a new paradigm to assist the individual physician in assessing the most appropriate cardiovascular screening strategy unique to their athlete population, community needs, and resources. The decision to implement a cardiovascular screening program, with or without the addition of ECG, necessitates careful consideration of the risk of SCA/D in the targeted population and the availability of cardiology resources and infrastructure. Importantly, it is the individual physician's assessment in the context of an emerging evidence-base that the chosen model for early detection of cardiac disorders in the specific population provides greater benefit than harm. AMSSM is committed to advancing evidenced-based research and educational initiatives that will validate and promote the most efficacious strategies to foster safe sport participation and reduce SCA/D in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Drezner
- 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; 2Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; 3Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC; 4Department of Health and Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA; 5Department of Family Medicine, University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine, Greenville, SC; 6Department of Family Medicine, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC; 7Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Family & Community Medicine, and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; 8Departments of Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI; 9Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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31
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Thompson AJ, Cannon BC, Wackel PL, Horner JM, Ackerman MJ, O'Leary PW, Eidem BW, Johnson JN. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in elite high school athletes: comparison to adolescent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Br J Sports Med 2016; 50:105-10. [PMID: 26729893 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In athletes, ECG changes from physiological cardiac remodelling are common but can overlap with findings from a pathological disorder. We compared ECG findings in a group of elite high school athletes to a cohort of adolescents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS/RESULTS We prospectively performed 15-lead ECGs and echocardiograms in 147 elite high school athletes. Student-athlete ECGs were compared in blinded fashion to ECGs of 148 adolescents with HCM of similar age and ethnicity. Standard ECG hypertrophy criteria and established expert opinion guidelines (European Society of Cardiology, ESC and Seattle criteria) were analysed. All student-athletes had normal echocardiograms. Overall, 77/147 (52%) of student-athletes met standard ECG criteria for ventricular hypertrophy compared to 126/148 (85%) adolescents with HCM (p<0.0001). There were 112/148 (76%) adolescents with HCM who had pathological Q-waves, T-wave inversion and/or ST-segment depression compared to 1/147 (1%) athletes (p<0.0001). Most patients with HCM (84%, 124/148) had ≥1 abnormal ECG finding(s) according to Seattle criteria, compared to 1% of student-athletes (2/147). Similarly, 130/148 (88%) patients with HCM met group-2 ESC criteria (abnormal), compared to 36/147 (24%) student-athletes (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Over 50% of elite high school athletes with echocardiographically confirmed normal hearts satisfied standard voltage criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. Pathological Q-waves, T-wave inversion or ST-segment depression were most helpful in distinguishing adolescents with HCM from normals. Both ESC and Seattle criteria successfully stratified the student-athlete and HCM cohorts, however each had a false-negative rate >10% for the HCM cohort. The Seattle criteria demonstrated a significantly lower false-positive rate (1%) than the ESC criteria (24%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bryan C Cannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Philip L Wackel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Justin M Horner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Patrick W O'Leary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Benjamin W Eidem
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jonathan N Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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32
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Drezner JA, O'Connor FG, Harmon KG, Fields KB, Asplund CA, Asif IM, Price DE, Dimeff RJ, Bernhardt DT, Roberts WO. AMSSM Position Statement on Cardiovascular Preparticipation Screening in Athletes: Current evidence, knowledge gaps, recommendations and future directions. Br J Sports Med 2016; 51:153-167. [PMID: 27660369 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular screening in young athletes is widely recommended and routinely performed prior to participation in competitive sports. While there is general agreement that early detection of cardiac conditions at risk for sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) is an important objective, the optimal strategy for cardiovascular screening in athletes remains an issue of considerable debate. At the centre of the controversy is the addition of a resting ECG to the standard preparticipation evaluation using history and physical examination. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) formed a task force to address the current evidence and knowledge gaps regarding preparticipation cardiovascular screening in athletes from the perspective of a primary care sports medicine physician. The absence of definitive outcome-based evidence at this time precludes AMSSM from endorsing any single or universal cardiovascular screening strategy for all athletes, including legislative mandates. This statement presents a new paradigm to assist the individual physician in assessing the most appropriate cardiovascular screening strategy unique to their athlete population, community needs and resources. The decision to implement a cardiovascular screening programme, with or without the addition of ECG, necessitates careful consideration of the risk of SCA/D in the targeted population and the availability of cardiology resources and infrastructure. Importantly, it is the individual physician's assessment in the context of an emerging evidence base that the chosen model for early detection of cardiac disorders in the specific population provides greater benefit than harm. AMSSM is committed to advancing evidenced-based research and educational initiatives that will validate and promote the most efficacious strategies to foster safe sport participation and reduce SCA/D in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Francis G O'Connor
- Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly G Harmon
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karl B Fields
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chad A Asplund
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA
| | - Irfan M Asif
- Department of Family Medicine, University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | - David E Price
- Department of Family Medicine, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert J Dimeff
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Family and Community Medicine, and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - David T Bernhardt
- Departments of Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William O Roberts
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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33
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Bessem B, de Bruijn MC, Nieuwland W. Gender differences in the electrocardiogram screening of athletes. J Sci Med Sport 2016; 20:213-217. [PMID: 27451270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gender-related differences are frequently used in medicine. Electrocardiograms are also subject to such differences. This study evaluated gender differences in ECG parameters of young athletes, discussing the possible implications of these differences for ECG criteria used in the cardiovascular screening of young athletes. DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS In 2013 and 2014 all the ECGs from the cardiovascular screenings performed at University Sports Medical Centre in Groningen of the student athletes who wanted to participate in a college sports program were collected. The ECG characteristics were scored using computer-based measurements and the Seattle ECG criteria. RESULTS The study population included 1436 athletes, of which 72% were male. Male athletes were older (19.3 years vs. 18.6 years), participated in sports more frequently (4.0/week vs. 3.8/week) and spent more hours per week practising sports (6.4h/week vs. 5.8h/week) than female athletes. Male athletes had significantly higher PR intervals (149ms vs. 141ms), lead voltages and QRS duration (98ms vs. 88ms). Female athletes had significantly higher resting heart rates (69/min vs. 64/min) and QTc intervals (407ms vs. 400ms). Male athletes also had significantly higher amounts of sinus bradycardia (38.3% vs. 23.0%), incomplete RBBB (15.0% vs. 3.7%), early repolarisation (4.5% vs. 1.0%) and isolated QRS voltage criteria for LVH (26.3% vs. 4.6%). All P-values were ≤0.001. CONCLUSIONS ECGs of young athletes demonstrate gender-related differences. These differences could be considered in their cardiovascular screening. For the Seattle ECG criteria we advise additional research into the clinical implications of using gender-based cut-off values for the QRS duration in the intraventricular conduction delay criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Bessem
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Sports Medicine, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthijs C de Bruijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Sports Medicine, The Netherlands
| | - Wybe Nieuwland
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Sports Medicine, The Netherlands
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34
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Screening for AF in asymptomatic patients has been proposed as a way of reducing the burden of the disease by detecting people who would benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation therapy before the onset of symptoms. However, for screening to be an effective intervention, it must improve the detection of AF and provide benefit for those detected earlier as a result of screening. OBJECTIVES This review aims to answer the following questions.Does systematic screening increase the detection of AF compared with routine practice? Which combination of screening population, strategy and test is most effective for detecting AF compared with routine practice? What safety issues and adverse events may be associated with individual screening programmes? How acceptable is the intervention to the target population? What costs are associated with systematic screening for AF? SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (Ovid) and EMBASE (Ovid) up to 11 November 2015. We searched other relevant research databases, trials registries and websites up to December 2015. We also searched reference lists of identified studies for potentially relevant studies, and we contacted corresponding authors for information about additional published or unpublished studies that may be relevant. We applied no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing screening for AF with routine practice in people 40 years of age and older were eligible. Two review authors (PM and CT) independently selected trials for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors (PM and CT) independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We used odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to present results for the primary outcome, which is a dichotomous variable. As we identified only one study for inclusion, we performed no meta-analysis. We used the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group) method to assess the quality of the evidence and GRADEPro to create a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS One cluster-randomised controlled trial met the inclusion criteria for this review. This study compared systematic screening (by invitation to have an electrocardiogram (ECG)) and opportunistic screening (pulse palpation during a general practitioner (GP) consultation for any reason, followed by an ECG if pulse was irregular) versus routine practice (normal case finding on the basis of clinical presentation) in people 65 years of age or older.Results show that both systematic screening and opportunistic screening of people over 65 years of age are more effective than routine practice (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.26; and OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.29, respectively; both moderate-quality evidence). We found no difference in the effectiveness of systematic screening and opportunistic screening (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.37; low-quality evidence). A subgroup analysis found that systematic screening and opportunistic screening were more effective in men (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.51 to 4.76; and OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.19, respectively) than in women (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.62; and OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.93, respectively). No adverse events associated with screening were reported.The incremental cost per additional case detected by opportunistic screening was GBP 337, compared with GBP 1514 for systematic screening. All cost estimates were based on data from the single included trial, which was conducted in the UK between 2001 and 2003. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that systematic screening and opportunistic screening for AF increase the rate of detection of new cases compared with routine practice. Although these approaches have comparable effects on the overall AF diagnosis rate, the cost of systematic screening is significantly greater than the cost of opportunistic screening from the perspective of the health service provider. Few studies have investigated effects of screening in other health systems and in younger age groups; therefore, caution needs to be exercised in relation to transferability of these results beyond the setting and population in which the included study was conducted.Additional research is needed to examine the effectiveness of alternative screening strategies and to investigate the effects of the intervention on risk of stroke for screened versus non-screened populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Moran
- Health Technology Assessment, Health Information and Quality Authority, George's Court, George's Lane, Smithfield, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, D7
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Asif IM, Drezner JA. Cardiovascular Screening in Young Athletes: Evidence for the Electrocardiogram. Curr Sports Med Rep 2016; 15:76-80. [PMID: 26963013 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
: The objective of this study is to review the evidence for cardiovascular screening inclusive of an electrocardiogram (ECG) in young athletes. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is the leading cause of death during exercise and occurs at a rate that is substantially higher than initially recognized. There is widespread agreement that cardiovascular screening should be performed prior to athletic competition. The primary purpose of preparticipation cardiovascular screening is to identify athletes with conditions that predispose them to SCD. Unfortunately, the traditional model in the United States of a medical history and a physical examination has limited sensitivity to detect cardiovascular disease and provides false reassurance to athletes, parents, and team officials. The addition of an ECG enhances the ability to identify disease, and modern athlete-specific ECG interpretation standards used by experienced physicians provide low false-positive rates, improving the cost-effectiveness while preserving sensitivity. The evidence is clear that if athletes are screened, ECG-inclusive strategies are most likely to meet the primary aim of preparticipation cardiovascular screening. These advanced protocols have the potential to improve health and safety during sport events and should be considered the best practice in high-risk athletes when the sports cardiology infrastructure and oversight are readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan M Asif
- 1Department of Family Medicine, Greenville Health System, University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine, Greenville, SC; and 2Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Smallman DP, Webber BJ, Mazuchowski EL, Scher AI, Jones SO, Cantrell JA. Sudden cardiac death associated with physical exertion in the US military, 2005–2010. Br J Sports Med 2015; 50:118-23. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Improving ECG Services at a Children's Hospital: Implementation of a Digital ECG System. Int J Pediatr 2015; 2015:697149. [PMID: 26451150 PMCID: PMC4584242 DOI: 10.1155/2015/697149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The use of digital ECG software and services is becoming common. We hypothesized that the introduction of a completely digital ECG system would increase the volume of ECGs interpreted at our children's hospital. Methods. As part of a hospital wide quality improvement initiative, a digital ECG service (MUSE, GE) was implemented at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in June 2012. The total volume of ECGs performed in the first 6 months of the digital ECG era was compared to 18 months of the predigital era. Predigital and postdigital data were compared via t-tests. Results. The mean ECGs interpreted per month were 53 ± 16 in the predigital era and 216 ± 37 in the postdigital era (p < 0.001), a fourfold increase in ECG volume after introduction of the digital system. There was no significant change in inpatient or outpatient service volume during that time. The mean billing time decreased from 21 ± 27 days in the postdigital era to 12 ± 5 days in the postdigital era (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Implementation of a digital ECG system increased the volume of ECGs officially interpreted and reported.
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The effectiveness of screening history, physical exam, and ECG to detect potentially lethal cardiac disorders in athletes: A systematic review/meta-analysis. J Electrocardiol 2015; 48:329-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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ECG screening for SCD in young adults: Community volunteers can acquire higher quality ECGs than health professionals. J Electrocardiol 2015; 48:345-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Screening for conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest in the United States (US) is aimed at high school athletes in most states and utilizes a preparticipation history and physical form that is not standardized across the US. In Italy, data have shown that their incidence of sudden cardiac arrest has decreased significantly after implementation of an electrocardiographic-based screening program including history and physical exam. The American Heart Association recommendations do not include an electrocardiogram. A recent AHA statement has suggested that those screening athletes should consider all children of similar ages in the selected venue, but still should not include an electrocardiogram. A number of models of screening are presented along with a best practice recommendation for further evaluation and study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Vetter
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Jacob D, Main ML, Gupta S, Gosch K, McCoy M, Magalski A. Prevalence and significance of isolated T wave inversion in 1755 consecutive American collegiate athletes. J Electrocardiol 2015; 48:407-14. [PMID: 25795567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the prevalence of isolated T-wave inversions (TWI) in American athletes using contemporary ECG criteria. Ethnic and gender disparities including the association of isolated TWI with underlying abnormal cardiac structure are evaluated. METHODS From 2004 to 2014, 1755 collegiate athletes at a single American university underwent prospective collection of medical history, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, and 2-dimensional echocardiography. ECG analysis was performed to evaluate for isolated TWI as per contemporary ECG criteria. RESULTS The overall prevalence of isolated TWI is 1.3%. Ethnic and gender disparities are not observed in American athletes (black vs. white: 1.7% vs. 1.1%; p=0.41) (women vs. men: 1.5% vs. 1.1; p=0.52). No association was found with underlying cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION A lower prevalence of isolated TWI in American athletes than previously reported. Isolated TWI was not associated with an abnormal echocardiogram. No ethnic or gender disparity is seen in American college athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Jacob
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2301 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Michael L Main
- Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, 4401 Wornwall Rd, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sanjaya Gupta
- Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, 4401 Wornwall Rd, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kensey Gosch
- Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, 4401 Wornwall Rd, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Marcia McCoy
- Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, 4401 Wornwall Rd, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Anthony Magalski
- Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, 4401 Wornwall Rd, Kansas City, MO, USA.
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Asif IM, Harmon KG. The Role of Screening for Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Competitive Athletes: A Critical Review. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-014-0072-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Vetter VL. Electrocardiographic screening of all infants, children, and teenagers should be performed. Circulation 2015; 130:688-97; discussion 697. [PMID: 25135125 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.114.009737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Vetter
- From The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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Berte B, Duytschaever M, Elices J, Kataria V, Timmers L, Van Heuverswyn F, Stroobandt R, De Neve J, Watteyne K, Vandensteen E, Vandekerckhove Y, Tavernier R. Variability in interpretation of the electrocardiogram in young athletes: an unrecognized obstacle for electrocardiogram-based screening protocols. Europace 2015; 17:1435-40. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euu385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Tischer SG, Mattsson N, Storgaard M, Høfsten DE, Høst NB, Andersen LJ, Prescott E, Rasmusen HK. Results of voluntary cardiovascular examination of elite athletes in Denmark: Proposal for Nordic collaboration. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 26:64-73. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. G. Tischer
- Department of Cardiology; Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - N. Mattsson
- Department of Cardiology; Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - M. Storgaard
- Sports Medical Team; Team Denmark; Brøndby Denmark
| | - D. E. Høfsten
- Department of Cardiology; Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - N. B. Høst
- Department of Cardiology; Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - L. J. Andersen
- Department of Cardiology; Roskilde Hospital; Roskilde Denmark
| | - E. Prescott
- Department of Cardiology; Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - H. K. Rasmusen
- Department of Cardiology; Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
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Sreeram N, Menzel C, Udink ten Cate FEA. Controversies in arrhythmias and arrhythmic syndromes of active children and young adults. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2015; 13:183-92. [DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Modern standards of ECG interpretation in young athletes: yield and effectiveness. J Electrocardiol 2015; 48:292-7. [PMID: 25595717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although cardiovascular screening is recommended before participating in competitive sports, the role of the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been debated. When added to the medical history and physical examination, an ECG used during the pre-participation screening (PPS) of young athletes can greatly enhance the ability to detect underlying cardiovascular pathology. Concerns over false positive rates, however, have posed an obstacle to large-scale implementation. The recent development of modern athlete-specific ECG interpretation criteria has dramatically reduced false positive rates to levels below other commonly used screening tests (e.g. breast cancer, prostate cancer) and subsequently improved cost effectiveness. There are also emerging data that certain sub-groups have a higher prevalence of ECG abnormalities, including males, athletes of Afro-Caribbean descent, basketball players, and endurance athletes. While false positive rates from a number of studies are reduced with the improved standards, there may be room for continued improvements. Future efforts should focus on refining criteria based on age, race, gender, ethnicity, and sport, while also clearly delineating the appropriate work-up strategies for those with abnormal findings, as this can lead to improved resource utilization.
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Usefulness of combined history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and limited echocardiogram in screening adolescent athletes for risk for sudden cardiac death. Am J Cardiol 2014; 114:1763-7. [PMID: 25307198 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death in the young (SCDY) is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sport. Screening young athletes for high-risk cardiac defects is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility and feasibility of a comprehensive cardiac screening protocol in an adolescent population. Adolescent athletes were recruited from local schools and/or sports teams. Each subject underwent a history and/or physical examination, an electrocardiography (ECG), and a limited echocardiography (ECHO). The primary outcome measure was identification of cardiac abnormalities associated with an elevated risk for sudden death. We secondarily identified cardiac abnormalities not typically associated with a short-term risk of sudden death. A total of 659 adolescent athletes were evaluated; 64% men. Five subjects had cardiac findings associated with an elevated risk for sudden death: prolonged QTc >500 ms (n = 2) and type I Brugada pattern (n = 1), identified with ECG; dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 1) and significant aortic root dilation; and z-score = +5.5 (n = 1). History and physical examination alone identified 76 (11.5%) subjects with any cardiac findings. ECG identified 76 (11.5%) subjects in which a follow-up ECHO or cardiology visit was recommended. Left ventricular mass was normal by ECHO in all but 1 patient with LVH on ECG. ECHO identified 34 (5.1%) subjects in whom a follow-up ECHO or cardiology visit was recommended. In conclusion, physical examination alone was ineffective in identification of subjects at elevated risk for SCDY. Screening ECHO identified patients with underlying cardiac disease not associated with immediate risk for SCDY. Cost of comprehensive cardiac screening is high.
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Calò L, Sperandii F, Martino A, Guerra E, Cavarretta E, Quaranta F, Ruvo ED, Sciarra L, Parisi A, Nigro A, Spataro A, Pigozzi F. Echocardiographic findings in 2261 peri-pubertal athletes with or without inverted T waves at electrocardiogram. Heart 2014; 101:193-200. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-306110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Maron BJ, Friedman RA, Kligfield P, Levine BD, Viskin S, Chaitman BR, Okin PM, Saul JP, Salberg L, Van Hare GF, Soliman EZ, Chen J, Matherne GP, Bolling SF, Mitten MJ, Caplan A, Balady GJ, Thompson PD. Assessment of the 12-Lead ECG as a Screening Test for Detection of Cardiovascular Disease in Healthy General Populations of Young People (12–25 Years of Age). Circulation 2014; 130:1303-34. [DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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