Refining electrocardiography interpretation criteria in elite athletes: Redefining the limits of normal

摘要

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of non-traumatic mortality in young (<35 years old) athletes. A vast majority of cases are due to a diverse spectrum of inherited and congenital cardiac conditions that are readily detectable through a combination of history, examination, and 12-tead electrocardiography (ECG). Sudden death is usually the first manifestation in up to 80% of athletes and therefore some form of screening is necessary to identify those at risk. Consequently, an increasing number of sporting bodies and scientific organizations, including the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), recommends pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation of athletes using ECG prior to clearance to compete. One study has demonstrated that ECG-based screening may indeed save lives.