Preparticipation Screening for CVD in Competitive Athletes: Recommendations from the AHA/ACC.

In the United States, preparticipation cardiovascular screening for all athletes (not just those who are elite) consists of a personal and family history, and a physical examination without electrocardiography (ECG). Through such screening, those athletes with or suspected of having a possibly lethal genetic or congenital cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be identified and withdrawn from competition to decrease risks to themselves and their competitors, be treated, or be provided implantable cardioverter-defibrillators to prevent sudden death. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) have provided recommendations regarding eligibility and disqualification of competitive athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities. The full guidelines be can found at http://circ. ahajournals.org/content/132/22/e256.full. This summary focuses on preparticipation screening.