Published literature supports the fact that many pediatric patients at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) will exhibit warning signs and symptoms. The use of comprehensive cardiovascular screening questionnaires and physical examination should help identify these patients at risk. Recognizing that many of the cardiac disorders predisposing to SCD are genetic, the role of careful and extensive family history cannot be overemphasized. While preparticipation screening is primarily directed toward high school and college athletes, the use of cardiovascular screening should also be considered for children of all ages.