Is Cardio Risk Check | Herz-Kreislauf Risiko-Test useful for Sport?

The Cardio Risk Check (Herz-Kreislauf Risiko-Test) is often marketed as a combination of genetic, biomarker, and lifestyle data. For sports, its usefulness is questionable. Evidence-based prevention of sudden cardiac death or exercise-induced events in athletes relies on family history, ECG, echocardiography, and validated risk scores (e.g., SCORE, Framingham). Genetic panels included in such tests lack sufficient validation for individual risk stratification in sport. Most variants have weak associations (OR <1.5) and high population frequency, leading to low positive predictive value. No prospective studies demonstrate benefit for training decisions or competition clearance. The test may serve as supplementary information but should not override clinical judgment. Marketing claims often exaggerate predictive power. Caveat: a negative result may give false reassurance, a positive result may cause unnecessary anxiety. For athletes, regular medical screening (including exercise ECG) and symptom awareness are far more important. Evidence: unclear, largely marketing.