Table 5 Key consideration points regarding age for preparticipation screening

LV dimensions in adolescent athletes are larger when compared with sedentary controls. LV cavity enlargement rarely exceeds 60mm but in cases where it does, whilst also in the presence of an impairment of systolic or diastolic function, a diagnosis of DCM should be considered

Senior athletes present more pronounced LV and RV dimensions compared to adolescent athletes and sedentary controls, due to their increased physical maturity and greater cumulative training hours

Adolescent athletes present bi-atrial remodelling compared to sedentary controls. However bi-atrial function is preserved with LA and RA EF similar between athletes and controls and thus signifies normal physiological remodelling

Aortic dilation is rare in adolescent athletes. The aortic diameter cut off values of 40 mm for males and 34 mm for females may not be appropriate for the adolescent athlete and therefore scaling to height is warranted