Outcomes of 10 years of cardiac screening of elite New Zealand athletes

Abstract Background/Introduction Cardiac screening of competitive athletes for conditions associated with sudden cardiac death is recommended by bodies including the European Society of Cardiology. High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) commenced cardiac screening of elite Olympic sport athletes in 2012. Purpose To report the 10 year outcomes and findings of the HPSNZ cardiac screening program, including comparisons of electrocardiogram (ECG) features between sexes, sports and ethnicities. Methods Athletes were screened by HPSNZ from February 2012-June 2022 in accordance with HPSNZ protocols and as required by their International Federations. Screening included a personal/family history, physical examination and resting 12-lead ECG (interpreted by a cardiologist experienced in athlete ECGs), and athletes were followed for up to 11 years. Clinical findings and ECGs were managed contemporaneously as required. In July 2022 all screening records, including demographic data, ECGs, follow-up testing and diagnoses were reviewed. Although ECG guidelines changed during the period, any abnormal/equivocal ECGs were re-reviewed using the International Criteria. Comparisons between groups were performed using Fisher’s exact test (2-sided, p