Cardiac pre-competiton screening in Swiss athletes - Current situation in competitive athletes and short-time assessment of an exemplary local screening program

Abstract

The fact that only 9% of the interviewed competitive athletes had previously undergone cardiac screening is alarming, but underlines the necessity and urgency of implementing a cost-effective and adequate screening concept in the enormous group of competitive athletes who are not integrated in an Olympic- or other high-level squad. The need for a certain self-determination and personal responsibility of the athletes should be respected. Therefore, the screening should not be mandatory. However, adequate information about the issue is crucial for an informed decision.

Sports-related sudden cardiac death in Switzerland classified by static and dynamic components of exercise

“…4,23 Whether our SrSCD athletes underwent a PPS is unknown; however, it has been suggested that only 9% of non-elite COMP athletes in Switzerland undergo a PPS. 24…”

Sport medicine research needs funding: the International football federations are leading the way

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Professional footballers have a limited understanding of the precompetition medical assessment and the possible outcomes including disqualification: a cross-sectional survey

“…Open access cardiovascular assessment, has increased over the past two decades, there is little data evaluating athlete experience with the assessment. 9 The available data suggest studentathletes see no value in preparticipation screening and believe the assessment's main role is to prevent injury. In contrast, elite French athletes believe not enough emphasis is placed on injuries.…”