EKG screening program for school athletes

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiovascular cause of sudden death in adolescent athletes. The electrocardiogram is abnormal in more than 90% of these individuals. An EKG screening program was developed in order to ascertain the role of the electrocardiogram in identifying athletes at risk for sudden death. A training program was created to instruct school nurses on how to perform electrocardiograms. A questionnaire/consent from was sent to the parents of the athletes. This form asked basic questions concerning the child's past medical history and family history. The electrocardiograms were interpreted by staff pediatric cardiologists. A total of 1,424 students, ages 13 to 18, had 12‐lead electrocardiograms performed. In 88.8% the electrocardiogram was normal and the health screening questionnaire revealed no abnormalities in family or personal medical history. In 6.5% of the students, the family history or screening blood pressure recording justified further evaluation. In 72 students abnormalities on the electrocardiogram were noted (5.1%). There were 87 abnormalities noted in the 72 students. Conduction disturbances and arrhythmias were the most common abnormalities noted. In 12 students evidence of ventricular hypertrophy was found. Echocardiograms and stress tests were normal in these individuals. No student was found to have hypertrophic myopathy and no student was restricted from participating in competitive athletic activities. Despite the apparent negative results of this program there were benefits of the screening project. The program resulted in a closer working relationship between school health officials and a major health care facility. The program also served as a useful teaching tool for the school nurses. The screening electrocardiogram also provided a measure of reassurance to families of youngsters participating in competitive athletics. The authors believe an EKG screening program for school athletes is a useful endeavor.