Results:

There are several key points to this manuscript: 1) While the screening process is fairly uniform, there is a lack of consensus regarding an optimal screening strategy, particularly in the role for the electrocardiogram; 2) physicians must be aware of common causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes, should obtain an appropriate history and physical exam to identify those at risk, and must be able to distinguish an athletic heart from a structurally abnormal heart; 3) transthoracic echocardiography can identify most cardiac abnormalities that can place athletes at increased risk of sudden cardiac death, 4) colleges and physicians must develop comprehensive and careful procedures to screen students prior to participation in college sports; and 5) physicians and colleges should understand basic legal precedents and expected legal responsibilities in the screening process.