Resting or Exercise Electrocardiography Screening in Low-Risk, Asymptomatic Adults Is Not Recommended

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also finds insufficient evidence to recommend ECG screening for adults at intermediate or high risk.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Primary care clinicians, cardiologists

Background

In 2012, the USPSTF recommended against use of resting or exercise electrocardiography (ECG) for cardiovascular (CV) screening in low-risk, asymptomatic adults (Ann Intern Med 2012; 157:512); evidence was insufficient to make a recommendation for adults with intermediate or high risk for CV disease. The Task Force now has examined several new cohort studies of resting or exercise screening ECG in reclassifying or refining risk status for asymptomatic patients. It found no new studies that reported actual clinical outcomes.

Key Points

The USPSTF continues to recommend against use of resting or exercise ECG in lo…

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

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