The Impact of Sports Cardiology on the Practice of Primary Care Sports Medicine Where Were We, Where Are We, Where Are We Headed?

摘要

Sports participation in the United States has amplified rapidly over the past several years. Although exercise has been proved to provide health benefits due to physiologic adaptations, competitive athletes with undiagnosed HD remain at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The various nuances of modern-era competitive athletics, the expectation for excellence both on and off the playing field, and the devastating effects of the loss of an athlete due to undiagnosed HD dictates an overwhelming need for a team approach. Sports cardiologists and primary care team physicians must collaborate to effectively diagnose masked HD, to potentially prevent SCA, and to provide ongoing care for athletes with HD. Fortunately, SCA is a rarity, yet the tragic consequences of the demise of any such afflicted athlete leaves a distressing void for several generations. The memories of SCA in athletes has spanned centuries-from Pheidippides (legendary Greek Olympic champion) to Hank Gathers (Loyola Marymount basketball player) to Marc-Vivien Foe (Cameroon national soccer player) to Fabrice Muamba (English Premier League soccer player).