Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Background: Cardiovascular pre-participation screening (PPS) is a proposed risk reduction strategy to prevent sports-related sudden cardiac death in Masters athletes (>35 yr). Persons living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) exhibit a reduced quality of life and higher incidence of chronic disease. Purpose: To determine the psychological impact of a new cardiovascular diagnosis identified during PPS of Masters athletes, and preferred methods of support. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional study in Masters athletes diagnosed with CVD through a PPS study. Participants completed a questionnaire that included the Impact of Event Scale - Revised scale (IES-R). Perceptions of PPS and preferred support by CVD type were also assessed. Results: 67 athletes (90% male, mean age at diagnosis 60.1±7.1 yr, range 40-76) completed the evaluation. Diagnoses included coronary artery disease (CAD) (49), high premature ventricular contraction burden (7), mitral valve prolapse (5), atrial fibrillation (AF) (4), bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) (2), aortic dilatation (1), coronary anomaly (1), rheumatic heart disease (1). Three participants had multiple diagnoses. The mean group IES-R score and subscales were within the normal range. Athletes with BAV, severe CAD and AF (7.0±10.0) had the highest mean IES-R scores. Ten athletes (14.9%) required monitoring and one individual with BAV reported a significant stress reaction. Males had higher total IES-R scores and higher avoidance scores than females. Ninety-three percent of athletes were satisfied having undergone PPS and 45% felt safer. Preferred support varied by CVD type. Conclusion: Most Masters athletes identified with CVD during PPS are not negatively impacted. Masters athletes should be assessed for psychological distress and provided individualized support.