Organization of preparticipation screening of athletes in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Mortality of competitive athletes is lower compared to general population but the relative contribution of sudden cardiac death may be higher. Prolonged exposition to physical exertion may contribute especially in predisposed persons or in concealed conditions. Incidence of sudden cardiac death is low (generally below 2/100,000 person years). Non-fatal injury to musculoskeletal and other organ systems is, on the other hand, frequent. The purpose of preparticipation examination is diagnostics of conditions with potential of sudden cardiac and non-cardiac death and prevention of non-fatal conditions caused by physical activity. There is clear legal regulation of preparticipation screening in the Czech Republic. It seems reasonable to include history, physical examination, and resting 12-lead electrocardiogram evaluated using special criteria in a standard examination. Other diagnostic methods are more suitable for preselected cases. There is an urgent need for large-scale studies on performance of preparticipation screening strategies.