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Cardiac Changes Related to COVID-19 in Athletes: A Brief Review

Raphael Martins de Abreu1,2

  • 1Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX University, International University of Health, Exercise & Sports S.A. 50, L, 50 Av. du Parc des Sports, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg.

Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports
|August 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 can cause heart conditions like myocarditis and pericarditis in athletes, even after recovery. Athletes should undergo cardiovascular risk stratification before returning to sport.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • COVID-19 infection has raised concerns regarding cardiac health in athletes.
  • Understanding the long-term cardiac implications is crucial for athlete well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review cardiac changes associated with COVID-19 in athletes.
  • To outline current recommendations for cardiac assessment and safe return to sport post-infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on COVID-19 and athlete cardiac health.
  • Analysis of existing guidelines for cardiovascular assessment.
  • Synthesis of findings related to myocarditis, pericarditis, and cardiomyopathies.

Main Results:

  • Myocarditis and pericarditis are identified as primary cardiac pathologies in athletes post-COVID-19.
  • Debate continues regarding definitive diagnostic criteria and the timing of cardiac conditions.
  • Cardiovascular risk stratification is essential for guiding return-to-sport decisions.

Conclusions:

  • Athletes may experience persistent cardiac issues following COVID-19 infection.
  • Standardized cardiac assessment protocols and risk stratification are vital for athlete safety.
  • Further research is needed to explore feasible cardiac assessment techniques and long-term outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Athletic performanceCardiomyopathyMyocarditisPericarditisSARS-CoV-2Sports medicine

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