ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS LINKED TO SUDDEN DEATH IN PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT ATHLETES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Sports participation offers significant health benefits for children and adolescents; however, exposure to intense physical exercise can trigger serious cardiovascular events in individuals with undiagnosed heart conditions. Objective: To analyze and synthesize available evidence regarding electrocardiographic findings in pediatric and adolescent athletes during pre-participation cardiovascular screening. Methodology: An integrative literature review with a descriptive and qualitative approach was conducted in six stages. Searches were performed in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases using the terms "adolescent athlete," "ECG," and "cardiovascular screening." Results and Discussion: Findings revealed a high frequency of changes considered physiological in young athletes, notably sinus bradycardia, early repolarization, incomplete right bundle branch block, and isolated voltage criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. The frequency and interpretation of these patterns varied according to age, sex, race, and sport discipline. Final Considerations: The ECG is a valuable tool for the initial identification of cardiovascular abnormalities in young athletes but should not be used in isolation to predict or rule out the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Its interpretation must account for the specific characteristics of pediatric development and be integrated with clinical and family history, physical examination, and—when indicated—supplementary tests.