Table 3.

American Heart Association Screening Questions for Preparticipation Cardiovascular Evaluation in Athletes

Is there a personal history of exertional chest pain or discomfort?

Is there a personal history of unexplained syncope or near syncope?

Is there a personal history of dyspnea or fatigue with exercise?

Is there a personal history of heart murmur?

Is there a personal history of elevated blood pressure?

Is there a family history of premature cardiac death before 50 years of age?

Is there a family history of disabling heart disease before 50 years of age?

Is there a family history of conditions known to increase cardiac risk (e.g., dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)?

Evaluate for heart murmur.

Evaluate for femoral pulses.

Evaluate for physical features suggestive of Marfan syndrome.

Obtain blood pressure.

NOTE: A positive answer on questioning or an abnormal finding should prompt evaluation for a possible underlying cardiac condition.

Adapted from Maron BJ, Thompson PD, Ackerman MJ, et al. Recommendations and considerations related to preparticipation screening for cardiovascular abnormalities in competitive athletes: 2007 update: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism: endorsed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Circulation. 2007;115(12):1646.