ΟPre-athletic cardiac screening is not a standard procedure. With this screening, when it is essential, possible cardiac problems can be identified and diagnosed and the possible existence of hereditary cardiovascular disease such as cardiomyopathy and valvular disease can be investigated. In this way, very serious risks for young people are often prevented and in many cases lives are saved.
Pre-athletic cardiac screening should be performed on all athletes, those involved in sports, but also on all those who simply exercise systematically. It is also recommended for children or young people who exercise as part of their school program or participate in a sport through a sports club or association. There is no “light” or “heavy” sport. Everyone should participate in pre-athletic screening.
In order for the Cardiologist to certify that a young athlete is able to follow a specific exercise or training program, he or she performs the following tests at the doctor’s office:
- Taking a family medical history
- Electrocardiogram
- Heart ultrasound (triplex)
- Stress test
If there are suspicions of a condition, the Doctor requests that more specialized tests be performed
Athletes and, when it concerns children, their parents, should realize that the pre-athletic cardiac check-up is not a typical “paper”, but literally, it saves lives!
