Shared Decision Making for Athletes with Cardiovascular Disease: Practical Considerations.

Area of Science:

• Sports Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Disease in Athletes
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis in athletes necessitates careful management.
• Determining athlete eligibility for continued competition is a key challenge.
• A patient-centered approach with shared decision-making is now recommended.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the evolving landscape of sports cardiology.
• To offer practical strategies for return-to-play decisions in athletes with heart disease.
• To guide sports medicine and cardiology communities in managing athlete eligibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent guidelines and scientific statements.
• Synthesis of current expert opinion and clinical practice.
• Focus on patient-centered care and shared decision-making.

Main Results:

• The field of sports cardiology is dynamic, with updated eligibility recommendations.
• A shift towards individualized, shared decision-making models is evident.
• Practical approaches are needed to navigate complex return-to-play scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Sports cardiology requires a nuanced approach to athlete eligibility.
• Shared decision-making empowers athletes and clinicians in managing CVD.
• This document provides a framework for informed return-to-play decisions.