Cardiac Screening in Young Athletes: Insights From a 15-Year Retrospective Analysis of a Student Heart Check Program
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
4-2025
Publication Title
Heart Rhythm
Abstract
Background: Cardiac screening in children and adolescents has been shown to reduce sudden cardiac deaths among young athletes in Italy. Objective: Our objective was to examine the impact of cardiac screenings in Southeast Michigan by analyzing data from a longstanding student heart check (SHC) program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of cardiac screening from 2007 to 2021. Data collected included exam findings, electrocardiograms (ECG’s), and focused six-view echocardiograms, as well as follow-up information collected from the EMR. Abnormal BP was considered greater than 140/90. We analyzed incidence of abnormal findings and need for follow-up. Results: 15,761 students participated in the SHC during the study period. Mean age of participants was 15.5 years, mean BP was 116/69. Of 18% of students with an abnormal BP, 3% (N5407) were advised to follow up. Of 7% of students had an abnormal physical exam, 1% (N5175) were advised to follow up due to the abnormal physical exam. Of 9.2% who had an abnormal ECG 2% (N5282) were advised to follow-up. In total, 1% (N5142) were advised to stop playing (SP) sports and follow up, while 10% (N51654) of students were told to follow up and continue playing (CP). 11% of the 1796 students advised to follow up were seen at our institution. The most common reasons for follow up were a combination of abnormal EKG, BP, focused echocardiogram (N5260, 15.5%), and history of syncope (N5275, 16.6%). The most common diagnoses were valvular regurgitation, RBBB, LVH, long QT interval, WPW, and other ECG and congenital abnormalities. Conclusion: Abnormal BP was the most frequently found abnormality in a student population cohort over 15 years. There was a low frequency of students being advised to stop playing sports, with common reasons for follow-up recommendation being abnormal BP, abnormal ECG’s, abnormal focused echocardiograms, and concerning symptoms.
Volume
22
Issue
4 Suppl
First Page
S137
Last Page
S137
Recommended Citation
Metzger T, Cederman M, Adams M, Hershenhouse T, Abbas A, Dixon S, et al. [Shea J, Mehta N]. Cardiac screening in young athletes: insights from a 15-year retrospective analysis of a student heart check program. Heart Rhythm. 2025 Apr;22(4 Suppl):S137. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.03.295
DOI
10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.03.295
Comments
Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting, April 24-27, 2025, San Diego, CA