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The Athlete’s ECG: The Potential Utility in Screening and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of the review is to discuss the role of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in screening and diagnostic evaluation for the young athletic population. It additionally reviews the incidence of sudden cardiac death, the limitations of the ECG, and the importance of emergency action plans.

Recent Findings

Recent findings show that while heavily debated regarding its role for screening purposes in preparticipation evaluations, emerging consensus guidelines have helped improve the false positive rate of ECGs to detect cardiac abnormalities that may contribute to sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Summary

In summary, the ECG has a significant role in detection of cardiac abnormalities in the athletic population. The International Criteria have improved the false positive rate while maintaining sensitivity and specificity for detection of pathologic ECG changes. Limitations exist as rare cases of SCD still occur making it imperative for the physician providing care for the athlete to have an emergency action plan in place.

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      Authors and Affiliations

      1. Primary Care Sports Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA

        Molly McDermott & Richard Figler

      2. Sports Cardiology Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sydell and Arnold Family Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Desk J2-4, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

        Michael S. Emery

      3. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA

        Michael S. Emery

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      1. Molly McDermott
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      Correspondence to Michael S. Emery.

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      McDermott, M., Figler, R. & Emery, M.S. The Athlete’s ECG: The Potential Utility in Screening and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 11, 66–73 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-023-00262-7

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