Evaluating the Role of Cardiac Screening Before Athletic Participation: An Untapped Opportunity?

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Preparticipation screening (PPS) for cardiovascular disease in athletes is widely recommended but remains controversial regarding its implementation.
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A study analyzed 111,062 PPS exams, revealing that 7.6% required further evaluation, with higher abnormal rates in older athletes.
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Only 0.34% of athletes were classified with high-risk cardiovascular conditions, with prevalence increasing with age.
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The cost of PPS and second-line evaluations varied by age, being lowest for young athletes (€60) and highest for those over 35 (€107).
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The study highlights the need for robust data to evaluate the effectiveness and resource utilization of PPS in competitive athletes.

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