Pre-Sports Participation Cardiiovascular Screening Evaluation

Recommendations of the exercise cardiology committee of the Argentina Federation of Cardiology (FAC) and the Mexican Society for Heart Care (SOMECCOR)

Abstract

Pre-Sports Participation Cardiovascular Screening Evaluation is a diagnostic strategy, which main objective is to detect cardiovascular anomalies associated with high risk of sudden death related to exercise, trying to avoid these tragedies and guiding towards a safer lifestyle. These recommendations were developed considering particular characteristics of the Latin American population, such as socioeconomic and health characteristics, and also the prevalence of certain dangerous diseases. The recommended evaluation structure includes a clinical evaluation with specific questioning and physical examination, plus the association with complementary methods. Their use will depend on the characteristics of the athlete, the findings of the examination and the availability of the studies, It is recommended to do, at least, one electrocardiogram. The non-availability of complementary studies in athletes without findings in relation to the interrogation and physical examination should not prevent sports practice. Complementary studies are never the first step, much less the most important aspect in this process. As mentioned, the main objective of this strategy is to promote the safe practice of sports, but it does not completely eliminate the risk of exercise related sudden cardiac death, therefore it is convinient to combine primary prevention through pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation with cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers, and the use of early automatic external defibrillator. It is advisable to leave a written record of the findings at the time of the evaluation and if a contraindication to sports practice emerge, express the time limits of the contraindication.