Abstract

Objective: This study presents the results of 28 months of pre-participation cardiovascular screening using the Lausanne recommendations which include a personal and family history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Results are compared to those found by Corrado et al.

Design: From January 2006 until April 2008 the data of the Lausanne screenings carried out at the University Centre of Sports Medicine in Groningen were collected.

Participants: 825 cardiovascular screenings were performed of which 397 were excluded. Exclusion criteria were an age under 12 or over 35 years of age, multiple screenings (only first was included) and known cardiovascular disease.

Main outcome measurements: Negative screening result, (false) positive screening result, medical consumption and number needed to screen.

Results: A total of 371 (87%) athletes had a negative screening result. Fifty-five athletes (13%) underwent additional (stage 2) testing and 7 athletes (1.6%) further (stage 3) testing. Only 27 athletes (6.3%) were referred for additional testing based only on abnormalities of their ECG. Forty-seven athletes (11%) had a false positive screening result. Ten athletes (2%) had a positive screening result. Stage 2 medical consumption was 62%, 20% and 18% for respectively 1, 2 and 3 or more additional tests. Stage 3 medical consumption was 1.6%. The number of athletes needed to screen to find a single athlete with a potentially lethal cardiovascular disease was 143.

Conclusion: This study found that when the Lausanne recommendations are implemented in the Netherlands, the screening results resemble those found by Corrado et al. This study also shows that the number of athletes needed to screen to detect 1 athlete with a potentially lethal cardiovascular disease is within an acceptable range.