A survey of Washington state physicians found that less than half know about American Heart Assn. guidelines, and just 6% follow them.

The American Heart Assn.’s 12-point sudden cardiac death screening guidelines have been in place since 1996. They include a physical examination and collecting thorough medical and family histories. But a survey of 1,113 Washington state physicians found that fewer than 50% of doctors are aware of the guidelines and that only 6% follow them completely, according to the study that Dr. Madsen presented Nov. 13 at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions conference in Orlando, Fla.

 

For the complete 12-point guilines set by AHA visit us at Medicalopedia Reference Encyclopedia.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

“Recommendations and Considerations Related to Preparticipation Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Competitive Athletes,” Circulation, published online March 12, 2007 (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17353433)