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.