Pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation for athletic participants to prevent sudden death: Position paper from the EHRA and the EACPR, branches of the ESC. Endorsed by APHRS, HRS, and SOLAECE

The purpose of the present position paper promoted by EHRA and EACPR and endorsed by APHRS, HRS, and SOLAECE, is to review the scientific evidence regarding the appropriate diagnostic methods to identify the cardiac conditions at risk in the athletic population, discuss the role of the different tests in the context of PPE and, finally, offer the consensus opinions relative to the most efficient pre-participation screening to improve safe sport participation, according to the current scientific evidence and—if necessary—to update the last recommendations on this topic.7,8 Notably, consequences of PPE such as the most appropriate medical treatment for a certain condition or criteria to be used for disqualification from intensive exercise are discussed elsewhere.7,9–12 Our interest for safe sport participation is dictated by the awareness that exercise and sport activities are already a component of the lifestyle in a large subset of our societies, and are recommended by the current guidelines for maintaining CV health and preventing disease.