Cardiovascular prevention and at-risk behaviours in a large population of amateur rugby players.

Background And Aim: We aimed to investigate cardiovascular risk factors and health behaviours prospectively in a large population of French amateur rugby players.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was displayed to rugby players aged over 12 years enrolled in the 2014-2015 French amateur rugby championship from the Burgundy region ( = 5140). Questions addressed awareness on: (a) cardiovascular prevention; (b) tobacco, alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages consumption; and (c) adherence to prevention guidelines (ECG checks, training in basic life support, avoidance of sports practice during fever/infectious episodes).