The New England Journal of Medicine has posted a poll regarding cardiac screening before participation in high school sports. It poses the question whether athletes should undergo cardiac screening, and if so whether that should include not only a history and physical, but also an electrocardiogram (ECG). What do you think?
Excerpt from NEJM
This interactive feature addresses the approach to a clinical issue. A case vignette is followed by specific options, none of which can be considered correct or incorrect. In short essays, experts in the field then argue for each of the options. Readers can participate in forming community opinion by choosing one of the options and, if they like, providing their reasons.
The director of a high school athletic program is considering implementation of a requirement that all student athletes undergo cardiac screening by a physician before participating in any school-sponsored athletic team. Several teachers at the high school have been advocating for a mandatory screening program after seeing a television news report that featured a student from a nearby high school who died from a sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball. However, coaches have expressed concern to the athletic director that instituting such a requirement would discourage students from playing organized sports and could be a financial burden for some families.
The athletic director seeks your advice on the following two questions:
1. Should young athletes be required to undergo cardiac screening before participating in sports?
2. If an athlete does undergo screening, should the screening involve only a history and physical examination, or should electrocardiography (ECG) also be required?
Share your thoughts by replying to this blog. To vote, click here. The poll is open through December 4th.
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