PPE Cardiac Risk (AHA 14-Element) Calculator

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Cardiac Screening: Explanation and Clinical Context This calculator implements the American Heart Association (AHA) 14-element cardiovascular screening checklist used during the PPE to identify athletes at risk for congenital or genetic heart disease associated with sudden cardiac arrest or death. It aggregates the 10 history items and 4 focused examination items, providing a total positive count and highlighting “high-concern” findings such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or family history of premature sudden cardiac death. Clinical Interpretation: A “Screen Negative” result (no positive items, normal blood pressure) supports clearance without cardiac restriction.

Any high-risk item or elevated blood pressure should prompt further cardiac evaluation. The AHA 14-element checklist is designed for screening, not for quantitative risk prediction. ECG and echocardiography may be added based on resource availability.