Abnormal ECG Findings in Amateur Athletes: Comparison of the 2013 and 2017 Seattle Criteria

Introduction: The specificity of the electrocardiogram as a diagnostic method of causes of sudden cardiac death in athletesdepends on the criteria used to discern between physiological and pathological alterations.Objectives: To assess the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic findings in amateur athletes when comparing theSeattle 2013 and 2017 Criteria.Material and methods: 853 athletes were evaluated. Gender and age were evaluated as independent predictor variables.Follow-up was carried out by means of complementary diagnostic methods.Results: 29 athletes presented abnormal electrocardiograms according to 2013 criteria, and 17 athletes according to 2017criteria, constituting 3.4% and 2% respectively. No significant differences were found between genders or by age.Conclusions: Of the electrocardiograms considered abnormal according to the 2013 criteria, 41.4% came to be considerednormal when applying the criteria redefined in 2017. Neither gender nor age are independent predictor variables. In none ofthe patients, heart disease could be demonstrated during follow-up.