Perspectives on pre-participation cardiovascular screening in young competitive athletes: U SPORTS.

Objectives: To investigate the pre-participation cardiovascular screening (PPS) protocols currently implemented at U SPORTS (the governing body of university sport in Canada) sanctioned schools as well as the attitudes toward PPS as reported by Canadian University medical and athletic personnel.

Methods: A 15-question survey was sent to the U SPORTS athletic directors in both French and English. The survey focused on the current practices of PPS within the respondents' universities as well as attitudes regarding PPS.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk and preparticipation screening protocols in masters athletes: the Masters Athlete Screening Study (MASS): a cross-sectional study.

Background: Underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) is the primary cause of sudden cardiac death in masters athletes (>35 years). Preparticipation screening may detect cardiovascular disease; however, the optimal screening method is undefined in this population. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) and the American Heart Association (AHA) Preparticipation Screening Questionnaire are often currently used; however, a more comprehensive risk assessment may be required.

Detecting Underlying Cardiovascular Disease in Young Competitive Athletes.

Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is frequently the first manifestation of underlying cardiovascular disease in young competitive athletes (YCAs), yet there are no Canadian guidelines for preparticipation screening in this population. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of potentially lethal cardiovascular disease in a sample of Canadian YCAs by comparing 2 screening strategies.

Methods: We prospectively screened 1419 YCAs in British Columbia, Canada (age 12-35 years).