There is increasing emphasis on shared decision-making when evaluating sports participation for competitive athletes with cardiovascular disease, reflecting a shift toward more individualized care. This approach recognizes that participation decisions should integrate clinical risk assessment with the athlete’s values, goals, and informed preferences. Current guidelines aim to thoughtfully balance the potential cardiovascular risks of intense exercise with its well-established benefits for health, performance, and quality of life.

In this interview, Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and Aaron Baggish, MD, FACC examine the latest sports cardiology guidelines.

Related References:

1. Kim JH, Baggish AL, Levine BD, et al. 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;85(10):1059-1108. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2024.12.025