Introduction:

The specificity of the electrocardiogram as a diagnostic method of causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes depends on the criteria used to discern between physiological and pathological alterations.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic findings in amateur athletes when comparing the Seattle 2013 and 2017 Criteria.

Material and methods:

853 athletes were evaluated. Gender and age were evaluated as independent predictor variables. Follow-up was carried out by means of complementary diagnostic methods.

Results:

29 athletes presented abnormal electrocardiograms according to 2013 criteria, and 17 athletes according to 2017 criteria, constituting 3.4% and 2% respectively. No significant differences were found between genders or by age.

Conclusions:

Of the electrocardiograms considered abnormal according to the 2013 criteria, 41.4% came to be considered normal when applying the criteria redefined in 2017. Neither gender nor age are independent predictor variables. In none of the patients, heart disease could be demonstrated during follow-up.