Advancing Sports Cardiology: New Frontiers in Athlete Screening and Recovery

Sports cardiology is an evolving field at the intersection of athletic performance and cardiovascular health. As technologies advance and athlete demographics diversify, understanding the cardiac impacts of physical activity becomes increasingly complex. This Research Topic will delve into the latest challenges and innovations in sports cardiology, emphasizing a balanced approach that incorporates technological advancements and addresses diverse athlete needs.

This Research Topic aims to explore novel methods for the cardiovascular screening of athletes, focusing on early identification and the distinction between benign physiological changes and serious cardiac conditions. It will also consider how cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and wearable tech can enhance diagnostic processes and risk assessments. Furthermore, the Research Topic will examine how variables such as age, sex, and ethnicity influence cardiovascular responses to exercise, which is crucial for tailoring screening and management practices. Additionally, it will aim to create revised guidelines to ensure athletes can safely return to sport after cardiovascular problems and assess the effects and risks associated with extreme sports and intensive physical activities.

The scope of this Research Topic is broad, covering several key areas:

o Advancements in Pre-participation Cardiovascular Screening: This includes emerging biomarkers and AI applications in routine screenings.

o Technological Innovations: Examination of wearable cardiovascular monitoring systems and AI’s role in modeling cardiovascular risks.

o Diverse Athletic Populations: Investigation into how gender and ethnic differences affect cardiac risk and adaptation in athletes.

o Return-to-Play Protocols: Development of evidence-based strategies for reintegrating athletes following cardiovascular events.

o Extreme Sports Cardiovascular Considerations: Analysis of the cardiac impacts of prolonged and high-intensity athletic participation.

o Innovative Imaging Techniques: Exploration of advanced imaging modalities to better assess and differentiate physiological changes from pathological conditions in athletes.

To further enrich the discussion and progress in these areas, this Research Topic is open to a variety of article types, including original research, review articles, and case studies.

By integrating insights from a range of disciplines, this Research Topic will not only advance understanding but also refine practical approaches to enhancing athlete safety and performance through tailored cardiovascular care.