PH athletes should undergo heart screening before games —PHA

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Council called for the development of a national framework for preparticipation cardiovascular screening for the health and safety of Filipino athletes.

In a statement, PHA said that cardiovascular disease was one of the common causes of sudden cardiac death and arrest in athletes.

However, no standardized national recommendations have been made for Filipino athletes on all levels.

“Although rare, such events carry significant medical and societal impact, underscoring the need for proactive preventative strategies. Routine cardiovascular and surveillance [is] essential for athlete health management,” the statement read.

“[A lack of standardized screenings] can lead to inconsistent health practices resulting in missed cardiovascular issues, potentially risking athlete health and safety,” it added.

They called for a systematic and collaborative approach to said screenings, saying that it was “of paramount importance."

They noted that a national framework for athlete cardiovascular screening must be established, and must be “evidence-based, standardized, and adapted to the Philippine context.”

Among their recommendations, they said that the framework must establish consistent protocols to be followed for athletes, educate stakeholders on the importance of preparticipation cardiac screening, enhance access to diagnostic resources and referral pathways, and promote research to refine and update screening strategies.

“Through collaborations with relevant stakeholders, the PHA aims to improve our approach to cardiac screening to reduce the burden of sudden cardiac death among our athletes, safeguarding their lives and promoting sports and exercise to improve cardiovascular health,” the statement read. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News