Clinical Considerations for Competitive Sports Participation for Athletes With Cardiovascular Abnormalities: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Mar 18;85(10):1059-1108. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.12.025. Epub 2025 Feb 20.

Abstract

This American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology scientific statement on clinical considerations for competitive sports participation for athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities or diseases is organized into 11 distinct sections focused on sports-specific topics or disease processes that are relevant when considering the potential risks of adverse cardiovascular events, including sudden cardiac arrest, during competitive sports participation. Task forces comprising international experts in sports cardiology and the respective topics covered were assigned to each section and prepared specific clinical considerations tables for practitioners to reference. Comprehensive literature review and an emphasis on shared decision-making were integral in the writing of all clinical considerations presented.

Keywords: AHA/ACC Scientific Statements; athletes; cardiovascular abnormalities; sports.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • American Heart Association*
  • Athletes*
  • Cardiology* / standards
  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities* / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities* / therapy
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Review Literature as Topic
  • Sports Medicine* / standards
  • Sports* / physiology
  • United States / epidemiology