Task Force 1: preparticipation screening and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in athletes.

The present consensus panel recommendations of the 36th Bethesda Conference for eligibility and disqualification of competitive athletes are predicated on the prior diagnosis of cardiovascular abnormalities. However, the methodology by which these diseases are identified (including preparticipation screening) and how athletes come to evaluation for competitive eligibility, may involve several scenarios. First, athletes may be referred for assessment of clinical symptoms or signs. Second, fortuitous recognition may occur in routine clinical practice, triggered by findings on history and physical examination, such as a heart murmur. Third, young athletes may be suspected of having cardiovascular disease by virtue of formalized large population screening examinations that are customary before participation in competitive athletics (1).