Cardiovascular Performance Program

A key resource in the clinical evaluation of active individuals is our state-of-the-art Cardiopulmonary Exercise Laboratory. This human performance lab was designed to support leading physiology research and to perform complex exercise testing assessments specific to athletes. The lab houses a wide deck treadmill, a fully customizable up-right cycle ergometer and a rowing ergometer to provide personalized testing for our athletes and patients.

The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Laboratory provides physicians across the region referral-based cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and serves as a resource for athletes without cardiovascular disease wishing to improve performance. As such, visitors to the Cardiovascular Performance Program human performance laboratory span the spectrum of human health and performance ranging from patients awaiting heart transplants to elite professional competitors.

Many high school and collegiate sports require cardiac screening assessments and consultations prior to participation. These evaluations are designed to prevent athletes with known and unknown pre-existing heart conditions from experiencing cardiac events or sudden death before, during or after exercise.

Clinicians in the Cardiovascular Performance Program perform pre-participation screening for individuals of all ages and athletic aspirations. To screen athletes, our cardiologists start with a detailed medical history and physical exam. A 12-lead electrocardiogram, which measures the heart’s electric activity, is also typically performed. When necessary, we draw on Mass General’s leading echocardiography, radiology and genetic laboratories. Using advanced diagnostic techniques such as cardiac MRI and CT scanning, clinicians evaluate for the specific clinical conditions most relevant to athletes:

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the structure of the heart is abnormal, resulting in irregular heart rhythms
• Coronary anomalies
• Heart valve diseases
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens abnormally
• Inherited arrhythmias, which lead to irregular heartbeats

Screening results can stop athletes from playing sports their entire lives, so our clinicians consult with the entire multidisciplinary team before making recommendations about participation risk. Many findings are minor and managed with medical therapy in a manner that enables safe sport participation. We also welcome athletes who seek second opinions, and work with patients and their primary doctors to develop a coordinated diagnostic and treatment strategy if needed.

Our clinicians offer individual screenings at our facility or group screenings at onsite locations such as schools, universities and clubs. Athletic trainers and sports medicine groups who wish to improve their proficiency in this area can request our consultation services. To request a consultative service for your group, please call 617-643-7117.