Sports Cardiology

Sports cardiology is an area of heart care focused on treating athletes and active individuals who have or are at risk for heart conditions. Our team also treats tactical or occupational athletes, such as law enforcement officers.

Our experts also understand heat-related illness, the benefits of proper nutrition, and how pre-existing conditions and medications affect athletic performance.

The goal of a sports cardiologist is to diagnose any potential health problems and develop a treatment plan that keeps you safe while you remain active.

Our team treats athletes and other active individuals, including firefighters, first responders, police officers and members of SWAT teams.

You may benefit from sports cardiology if you:

• Have a personal or family history of heart disease and want to safely participate in sports or strenuous activities
• Have heart symptoms that affect your ability to be active or play sports, including chest pain, fainting or heart palpitations 
• Need a recovery plan to safely return to work, activities or sports after heart surgery or a heart attack

If your health history or current symptoms have you concerned about your heart health, our sports cardiology program can help.

Our team of cardiologists, physical therapists, imaging technologists and nutritionists collaborate on your treatment to make sure you receive complete care.

A sports cardiology evaluation starts with a physical exam and consultation. During this exam, our team talks with you about your symptoms and gathers details about your active lifestyle. We also go over your personal and family history of heart disease.

After the exam, we conduct diagnostic heart testing to help us pinpoint your diagnosis. These tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Cardiac MRIs
• Cardiopulmonary stress testing
• CT coronary angiography
• Echocardiograms
• Electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Electrophysiology studies

Once we determine your diagnosis, our team works together to develop a treatment plan that’s personalized to your needs and athletic goals.

Treatments may include:

• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and diet changes
• Medicines, such as ACE inhibitors, statins or blood thinners
• Physical therapy 

The sports cardiology program also provides: 

• Clearance exams for returning to sports after surgery or a heart attack
• Community-based CPR training
• Pre-participation exams for college and professional athletes, as well as first responders
• Sports nutrition counseling
• Sports performance counseling