Sports and Exercise Cardiology

At UPMC, we understand the importance of athletic competition and enjoyment of sports. Our team of dedicated cardiovascular specialists works together to provide individualized recommendations for athletes of all ages and abilities, including those with an existing heart condition.

What Is Sports and Exercise Cardiology?

Sports and exercise cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that assesses the unique needs of athletes, including those with existing heart conditions.

Sports and exercise cardiologists use advanced imaging and diagnostic testing to measure your cardiac health and work closely with you to establish and achieve your goals.

At UPMC, our sports and exercise cardiologists are athletes and bring a unique understanding of the physical demands and satisfaction of participating in competitive and recreational sports to their practice.

What conditions do you treat?

At UPMC, our sports and exercise cardiologists will work with you to create a plan to help you meet your peak performance or desired exercise goal. A sports cardiologist will consider various factors, including existing cardiac conditions, current health, family history, and more.

Who’s eligible for sports and exercise cardiology services?

Athletes — including those with and without a heart condition — who want to improve their cardiovascular performance may be eligible for sports and exercise cardiology care.

What Sports and Exercise Cardiology Services Do You Offer?

Types of services offered through our sports and exercise cardiology program include:

Cardiac screening and risk assessment

• Pre-participation exercise screening of adolescents, young adults, and Masters athletes.
• Review of personal and family medical history.
• Risk assessment of athletes with diagnosed coronary artery disease who wish to continue competition.
• Assessment of older individuals who wish to participate in competitive sports.
• Strategies for cardiovascular risk factor modification.

Diagnostic testing

We offer advanced cardiology diagnostic testing such as:

• Echocardiogram (ECHO) — This noninvasive ultrasound test uses sound waves to evaluate your heart's chambers and valves. The ECHO sound waves create an image on a monitor as an ultrasound transducer is passed over your heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) — This test records the electrical activity of your heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.
• Stress ECHO testing — This test is performed on a treadmill or bicycle and measures how your heart responds to an increase in activity (stress). Stress ECHO tests can also be performed using medication to increase your heart rate.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — A cardiac MRI uses a magnetic resonance imaging machine to create pictures of your heart, without using ionizing radiation.

Evaluation of athletic performance, test results, and exam findings

We offer evaluation of your athletic performance, test results, and exam findings, including:

• VO2 max testing to guide athletic training programs.
• Investigation of unexplained decline in athletic performance.
• Evaluation of concerning symptoms.
• Evaluation of abnormal exam findings, such as heart murmurs.
• Evaluation of abnormal test results including EKGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests.
• Referral to appropriate specialists for heart rhythm and other structural heart problems.

What Can I Expect From Sports and Exercise Cardiology?

Our team of sports and exercise cardiologists and other experts will create a comprehensive plan to assess your risk factors and performance, manage your condition, and reduce your risk of complications.

Before your visit

To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:

• Name, address, and contact phone number.
• Insurance information.
• Relevant medical records and test results.
• A referral, if required by your health insurance company.

If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.

During your visit

You'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant when you arrive for your first appointment. He or she will ask about your medical history, family history, and perform an exam.

We'll give you a:

• Complete education session about sports and exercise cardiology care.
• A tailored patient education packet for you to take home.

Your health care provider will explain your risk factors and how you may be able to manage them. Together, you will design and agree on a care plan.

Your care team may also:

• Order blood tests to learn more about your overall health.
• Schedule an imaging test to screen you for heart or vascular disease.

After your visit

Our team will schedule follow-up appointments as needed to check in with you. You should contact our office if you have questions about your cardiac risk reduction plan.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.