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In most countries, screening of athletes before they participate in competitive sports is mandated in the hope of identifying diseases that put the patient at risk for sudden cardiac death. However, whether the identification of these diseases can alter their natural histories is by no means clear. In addition, the appropriate intensity of the cardiac screening workup — especially whether or not it should include an electrocardiogram — is a contentious issue.
Researchers in Florence, Italy, studied screening results (history, physical examination, and resting and exercise ECGs) for 30,065 potential competitive athletes. Abnormalities on resting ECG were found in 6.0% of participants and included distinctly abnormal patterns in 1.2%. Abnormal…