Best Practice Case Studies-CV Screening

Pdf Summary

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) position statement addresses cardiovascular (CV) screening for athletes, focusing on the detection of conditions that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest or death (SCA/D). While CV screening is prioritized to ensure safe sports participation, the most effective strategy remains debated, particularly regarding whether to include an electrocardiogram (ECG) alongside history and physical evaluation.<br /><br />Current evidence lacks definitive outcomes that could universally endorse a single screening strategy, including the legislative mandates. The AMSSM's task force suggests a paradigm shift, advocating for individualized assessment by physicians based on their specific athlete populations, resources, and risk factors – such as age, sex, race, and sport.<br /><br />Present methodologies, predominantly physical evaluations and histories, have only limited effectiveness in identifying at-risk conditions. Incorporating ECGs can improve the detection of some heart conditions but comes with challenges like false positives, interpretation accuracy, and the need for experienced evaluators. Moreover, ECGs do not cover all conditions related to SCA/D, and not all disorders detectable by ECG lead to SCA/D.<br /><br />The task force's statement encourages physician autonomy to decide the best screening approach and emphasizes the importance of continuous research. It highlights the need for innovative strategies to improve PPE utility and calls for further educational initiatives, emphasizing the role of Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and AEDs to respond effectively to SCA occurrences.<br /><br />Future research aims to better understand the prevalence and outcomes of cardiac conditions in athletes and to refine screening methods. The AMSSM is committed to advancing evidence-based strategies for CV screening to support safe sporting environments and reduce SCA/D rates among athletes, with emergency preparedness remaining a key component.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 34

Topic Metabolic/Medical Conditions

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 34

3rd Edition

Metabolic/Medical Conditions

cardiovascular screening

athletes

sudden cardiac arrest

electrocardiogram

individualized assessment

false positives

emergency action plans

evidence-based strategies

AMSSM

safe sports participation