Sudden cardiac death kills 1000 youngsters every year in Italy.
Mandatory ECG screening for athletes is mandatory in Italy since 1982, but prevention strategies may go a step further. SIC (the Italian Cardiology Society) and Fondazione Italiana Cuore e Circolazione - Onlus are promoting a fundraising campaign - with Francesco Totti - AS Roma football player - as a testimonial (video on fb), in order to promote an ECG screening program.
The program will consist in:
1. - Screening in high schools for 16 - 19 year old teenagers, consisting in: history taking, physical exam (auscultation and pressure measurement included), 12 lead ECG.
2. - 2nd level exams in a Cardiology Unit for youngsters identified at risk.
3. - Genetic tests if an hereditary condition is suspected.
4. - BLS training in schools.
A recent Reuters Health article has controversially stated: Screening athletes for hidden heart problems may not help prevent sudden deaths, a new study from Israel finds.
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