Screening protocols for heart conditions in athletes

Screening protocols for athletes involve medical evaluations to detect underlying heart conditions that could pose risks during intense activity. Usually, this includes a detailed health history, physical examination, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify abnormal heart patterns. Sometimes, further testing like echocardiograms or stress tests is done if initial results raise concerns. These protocols aim to uncover conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias, which can increase the risk of sudden cardiac events. Regular screening helps ensure athletes are safe to participate and can guide medical management if issues are found.