Circ Rep. 2025 Dec 4;8(2):361-365. doi: 10.1253/circrep.CR-25-0278. eCollection 2026 Feb 10.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The significance of routine electrocardiogram (ECG)-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening, particularly whether routine ECGs contribute to primary prevention or early detection of CVD, remains controversial worldwide.
METHODS AND RESULTS: A literature review was conducted to compare and contrast policies across countries. In Western countries, regular ECG screening is not recommended due to uncertain clinical efficacy; however, recent Japanese studies have supported routine periodic ECGs. Furthermore, analysis of national statistical indicators compiled by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, broken down by prefecture, suggested that regions with higher rates of regular ECG screening have higher rates of new outpatient visits for CVD and lower cerebrovascular mortality rates.
CONCLUSIONS: Routine ECG screening for CVD in adults has the potential to contribute to early detection, optimization of treatment interventions, and improvement of CVD prognosis.
PMID:41669518 | PMC:PMC12885530 | DOI:10.1253/circrep.CR-25-0278