ECGs and Echocardiograms for Screening Athletes: A Black and White Issue?

In two studies, the prevalence of “abnormal” ECG and echocardiogram findings was significantly higher in black athletes than in white athletes.

Tremendous controversy exists in the U.S. about the value of including an electrocardiogram and selective echocardiogram in athletic screening. Data from Italy suggest that the risk for sudden death in sports may be reduced by such testing. However, the Italian screening program took place in a relatively homogeneous population; whether those results can be replicated in the U.S. critically depends on whether the incidence of abnormal ECG and echocardiogram findings differs among various racial groups. Two new studies address this contentious issue.

In the first study, investigators evaluated 1959 U.S. football players participating in the annual collegiate pre-National Football League Scouting Combine. Thirty percent of blacks had abnormal …

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate