ATHLETES the world over should face tests for hidden heart problems 鈥� and potential disqualification if any are detected.
That鈥檚 the conclusion of a collection of studies into the practicality and effectiveness of such tests, carried out at the behest of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
A number of seemingly healthy athletes have dropped dead from 鈥渟udden cardiac death鈥�, including the Spanish footballer Antonio Puerta (pictured) two years ago and British rower Scott Rennie in March this year.
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Many of the heart problems that trigger such deaths can be detected through physical examination, electrocardiograms and by taking a medical history, as laid out in the 鈥淟ausanne recommendations鈥� created under the auspices of the European Society of Cardiology. The new studies suggest that implementing these recommendations saves lives.
In one, researchers applied the protocol to 371 Dutch athletes aged 12 to 35 over two years. Of the 55 who were referred for additional testing, 10 had an underlying cardiovascular problem, and three were restricted from further participation in sport (British Journal of Sports Medicine, ).
Sanjay Sharma, a cardiologist at King鈥檚 College Hospital in London who led another of the studies, says: 鈥淓verybody who plays sports needs to be aware that there are certain conditions that may be silent, that could result in a fatality.鈥�
