Vademecum for the Physician Evaluating a Master Athlete.
Andrea Palermi1, Marco Vecchiato2, Giuseppe Di Gioia3
1Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy.
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|December 3, 2025
Summary
Master athletes (MAs) need tailored cardiovascular assessments. This framework integrates sport-specific factors for preventing and managing health risks in aging athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The population of master athletes (MAs) over 35 is growing.
- Aging athletes present unique health challenges.
- Healthy aging and sports participation are increasing trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an evidence-based framework for evaluating master athletes' cardiovascular and general health.
- To integrate current guidelines with sport-specific considerations for MAs.
- To focus on cardiovascular prevention and risk management in master athletes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current guidelines and sport-specific considerations.
- Integration of traditional and sport-specific risk factors.
- Consideration of advanced imaging and multidisciplinary care.
Main Results:
- Aging athletes require tailored assessment and management strategies.
- Recognizing sport-specific risk factors is crucial.
- Integrated approaches combining lifestyle, pharmacological, and procedural interventions are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Master athletes need individualized, multidisciplinary care for safe sports participation.
- Early detection and management of cardiovascular risks are essential.
- Ongoing surveillance preserves health, performance, and quality of life for MAs.
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