Detection of Cardiac Risks in Pro Athletes

Many of the causes of cardiac death are likely to have been detected by the time an athlete reaches professional status, and sudden cardiac death is rare among this population. Early detection of risks can, however, help prevent sudden cardiac death.

Physical Examination

• Athletes at all levels should receive regular physical exams including blood pressure measurements and cardiac auscultation, or listening to the heart. Unfortunately, physical exams are neither specific nor sensitive because of the low prevalence of cardiac disease in athletes.

Electrocardiogram

• Electrocardiograms, or EKGs, measure the electrical activity of the heart. They might be used for athletes with a suspected arrhythmia or in the detection of cardiac hypertrophic myopathy.

Echocardiography

• Echocardiography is an imaging procedure to examine the heart. It is useful in detecting structural changes, such as hypertrophy, and in confirming findings from electrocardiograms.

Stress Test

• Although rarely used, stress tests, or examination during exercise, might detect abnormalities not apparent when an athlete is at rest.

Angiography

• Angiography is an imaging of the blood vessels. This might detect coronary artery disease, which might be present in older athletes.