Pre-Athletic & Pre-School Cardiological Check-Up
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Theodoros Barlogiannis, CardiologistLast updated: 26 July 2026
The pre-athletic and pre-school cardiological check-up is a preventive examination certifying that a child or athlete can safely take part in school and sports activities. It includes a medical history, clinical examination and an electrocardiogram, plus a cardiac ultrasound where needed. It is completed in a single visit, with the certificate issued on the spot.
The Pre-Athletic & Pre-School cardiological checkup is of vital importance for the prevention of tragic incidents of sudden death. Young, healthy individuals may suffer from cardiovascular diseases that have not been diagnosed which require treatment and monitoring for participation in sports activities or possibly prohibit participation altogether.
A Pre-Athletic & Pre-School checkup includes the following:
- Medical History: Includes detailed questions about both the patient's individual health history and the family history of cardiovascular diseases.
- Clinical Examination: Involves listening with a stethoscope, checking arteries, pulses, respiratory rate, and any signs of abnormalities in the heart, such as murmurs.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): The examination with an electrocardiogram helps diagnose arrhythmias, myocardial diseases, congenital cardiovascular diseases, and rare syndromes, all of which may be prohibitive for sports activities.
- Cardiac Triplex: Although the cardiac triplex is a more specialized cardiological examination, it has started to be included in the program of a comprehensive Pre-Athletic & Pre-School Checkup as it provides critical information about the anatomy and function of the heart.
While the Pre-Athletic & Pre-School Checkup is often perceived as a routine examination, it is, in reality, a crucial examination with the potential to save the lives of young people with underlying cardiovascular problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the pre-athletic cardiac check-up include?
It includes a detailed personal and family history, a clinical cardiac examination and a resting electrocardiogram. If findings emerge or the history warrants it, the check-up is supplemented with a cardiac ultrasound (triplex) or further testing, at the cardiologist's discretion.
Why is pre-participation screening important?
Its goal is to prevent sudden cardiac death in sports. Young, apparently healthy individuals may have undiagnosed heart conditions — such as cardiomyopathies or rhythm disorders — that make intense exercise dangerous. Timely screening allows safe participation or appropriate follow-up.
At what age is the pre-school cardiac check-up done?
The pre-school check-up is usually performed before starting kindergarten or primary school, as part of the Student Health Card requirements in Greece. Pre-athletic screening applies to every age — from children starting a sport to adults who train regularly.
How long does the check-up take and when do I get the certificate?
The basic check-up — history, clinical examination and electrocardiogram — is completed in about 20 to 30 minutes, in a single visit. Provided there are no findings requiring further investigation, the medical certificate is issued immediately, on the same day.
How often should pre-athletic screening be repeated?
As a rule, pre-athletic screening is repeated annually, since school and sports certificates are usually valid for one year. For athletes with findings or a significant family history, the cardiologist may recommend closer or more specialized follow-up.
The information above is educational and does not replace medical advice.