ECG and “non-competitive” sport fitness: when to refer to a Sports Physician
Mario CALO’, Armandov ZAMMARCHI and Omero GIORGI
In daily practice, GPs are faced with countless procedures. 250/1500 times a year they must complete the Non-Competitive Sports Eligibility check. Following the Law, one ECG by age 40, or one ECG year for sports with a significant cardiovascular impact and for sports performed at CONI-affiliated or comparable facilities. At this point: a) perform only a resting ECG; b) perform a resting ECG at the GP's facility; c) perform an ECG with telemedicine. For patients with comorbidities or on multiple medications, a dilemma arises: when should a specialist be referred? … and when should a sports physician be referred?It's a new way to use for PC1) Jhoanna 91-year-old World Gymnastics Champion :"non plus fit…" …(red light: the CV risk is actually very high!) 2) Lisa, 51: from a known age, low CV risk profile, "wants to swim" (green light: she also underwent negative follow-up tests) 3)Fede, 63 years old – DM and mild hypertension,(NYHA 2/3), wants to exercise (Pilates with friends), ABNORMAL ECG (red light:Holter, ultrasound, echocardiogram and PT: NAO bb…) 4) Luigi, 59: cyclist on Sundays. High CV risk EO negative – BP 140/90 ECG: RBBB + EASin (yellow light: cardiological and sports medicine re-evaluation is required)PASS WITH GREEN: • asymptomatic EO: negative • BP: normal • NORMAL ECG – Baseline ECG: non-pathological: • Sinus arrhythmia • Isolated right bundle branch block • Sokolow index (S in V1 + R in V5/6 > 35) "isolated" • Slight R wave enhancement ("female pattern") • "S. "Early repolarization" RED LIGHT: • History: previous CV event (NYHA and CCS class) • Sinus VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION (echocardiogram) • High CV risk profile (? Stress test) • Abnormal ECG STOPPED WITH YELLOW: • History: "equivocal" symptoms, functional capacity not assessable • Objective Examination: not negative • BP: controlled (on polytherapy) or uncontrolled • Abnormal ECG: • Non-sinus rhythm – "low" atrial atrial fib/paroxysmal atrial flutter • Frequent and symptomatic supraventricular extrasystoles • Non-specific ventricular repolarization abnormalitiesIn all patients, the following is mandatory: CORRECT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK STRATIFICATION Special warnings: taking types of medications: bb -NOAC – Oral type 2 diabetes at risk…
