For a specific cardiological assessment, an athlete should undergo a health questionnaire, a complete anamnesis or medical history, in addition to a thorough cardiovascular examination and an electrocardiogram. In regular athletes, a stress test and echocardiogram should also be included.
The stress test, using state-of-the-art equipment, is performed by cardiologists and the test consists of subjecting the heart to physical stress and assessing the response of the coronary arteries indirectly by means of the electrocardiogram. We also know the blood pressure response and heart rate by performing a stress test.
Ergospirometry
These are gas studies, with an accurate analysis of aerobic and anaerobic thresholds and maximum oxygen consumption. Ergospirometry provides information on the body’s oxygen transport system, mediated by the response of the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems. With it, we assess parameters that indicate the functional capacity of the athlete and allow us to monitor their evolution at different times of the season, as well as to recommend the appropriate heart rate range for physical exercise. These tests must be individual, personalized and with ergometric treadmill or bicycle.
Echocardiogram
The echocardiogram is fundamental in the study of the athlete’s heart. With this technique, we obtain a morphological evaluation of the heart, with a follow-up and control of the athlete. Most of the main pathologies that can be related to sudden death can be diagnosed. Without performing an echocardiogram, a sports medical examination program cannot be carried out, since it is the diagnostic technique that provides us with the most information from the cardiovascular point of view.
This type of test should be performed annually, both in professional and non-professional athletes, and mainly in athletes with cardiovascular risk factors. In the case of detecting any pathology, the athlete is not always recommended to stop practicing sports, but in some cases, it is sufficient to reduce the workload and intensity of work.