Sports Cardiology Program
When you exercise or take part in your favorite athletic endeavor, you can put intense pressure on your heart. Naturally, you want to do it safely and efficiently, whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior or just starting a new fitness routine.
Our highly skilled team at the Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute Sports Cardiology Program is here to ensure your heart is ready for your athletic demands. Our collaborative approach pulls together the expertise of our cardiologists, exercise specialists and other clinicians. They work to support the cardiovascular health of athletes of every age, skill and activity level.
Our team uses the latest technologies and procedures from sports medicine and cardiology to prevent, identify and manage any potential heart concerns so that you can train, perform and recover with confidence.
What Is a Sports Cardiologist?
Sports cardiologists specialize in caring for the unique needs of people who maintain an active, athletic lifestyle. Sports cardiologists work with athletes who have an existing heart condition, athletes who suspect a heart condition is developing and anyone who wants assurances about the health of their heart before ramping up physical activities. You may benefit from seeing a sports cardiologist if you:
- Were recently diagnosed with a heart condition and want to stay active
- Have experienced chest pain, fainting or palpitations while exercising
- Need clearance to return to sport after a heart-related event or surgery
- Are a young athlete with a family history of heart conditions
- Have noticed an unexplained decline in your performance ability
- Are looking for guidance on how to manage exercise goals or boost your cardiovascular performance
Our team of experts will carefully evaluate your heart and your athletic goals to help you find a path that allows you to enjoy the active lifestyle you want to pursue – without risking your health.
Who Should See a Sports Cardiologist?
You don’t need to be a professional or collegiate athlete to see a sports cardiologist. Our team is ready to assist anyone with concerns about their heart and any level of physical activity. These concerns may be related to a range of risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other metabolic conditions that affect cardiovascular performance. Among the patients who seek our care:
Athletes with a personal or family history of heart disease
People with an existing cardiac condition, including arrhythmias or congenital heart defects
Anyone who experiences pain, discomfort, dizziness, a fluttering feeling in the chest or other symptoms during or after exercise
Patients recovering from heart procedures or cardiac events
Anyone who needs an evaluation before starting a new, particularly high-intensity, fitness program
Anyone who is participating in exercise at any level who is interested in establishing preventative cardiovascular care.
What Tests Might Be Performed?
During your first visit, our team will start with a thorough conversation about your medical history, family history and any concerns you might have. From there, your cardiologist may recommend additional tests to gain insights into your heart health and look for conditions that may need further management. Among the possible tests:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity in you heart. It can evaluate how fast your heart is beating as well as its rhythm (steady or irregular).
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity in you heart. It can evaluate how fast your heart is beating as well as its rhythm (steady or irregular).
Echocardiogram
During this noninvasive procedure, our team uses a small wand that sends soundwaves through your chest. These painless soundwaves create images of your heart, which can be used to detect various potential heart conditions.
Echocardiogram
During this noninvasive procedure, our team uses a small wand that sends soundwaves through your chest. These painless soundwaves create images of your heart, which can be used to detect various potential heart conditions.
Exercise Stress Testing
You will be connected to an electrocardiogram while exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. Your team will monitor your heart to see how it responds during exercise.
Exercise Stress Testing
You will be connected to an electrocardiogram while exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. Your team will monitor your heart to see how it responds during exercise.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Your doctor can collect valuable information with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These diagnostic tools, which use powerful magnets or X-rays, create detailed images of your heart and its various structures.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Your doctor can collect valuable information with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These diagnostic tools, which use powerful magnets or X-rays, create detailed images of your heart and its various structures.
VO2 Max or Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
The test measures your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise. During the test, you wear a mask that helps measure the air you breathe out.
VO2 Max or Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
The test measures your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise. During the test, you wear a mask that helps measure the air you breathe out.
