Interassociation consensus statement on cardiovascular care of college student-athletes

Abstract

Cardiovascular evaluation and care of college student-athletes is gaining increasing attention from both the public and medical communities. Emerging strategies include screening of the general athlete population, recommendations of permissible levels of participation by athletes with identified cardiovascular conditions and preparation for responding to unanticipated cardiac events in athletic venues. The primary focus has been sudden cardiac death and the usefulness of screening with or without advanced cardiac screening. The National Collegiate Athletic Association convened a multidisciplinary task force to address cardiovascular concerns in collegiate student-athletes, and to develop consensus for an interassociation statement. This document summarises the task force deliberations and follow-up discussions, and includes available evidence on cardiovascular risk, preparticipation evaluation and the recognition of and response to cardiac arrest. Future recommendations for cardiac research initiatives, education and collaboration are also provided.

Dietary Thiols: A Potential Supporting Strategy against Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure and Muscular Damage during Sports Activity

“…In addition, they stimulate the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts and activate the matrix metalloproteinases, indicating the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. These cellular events are involved in the development and progression of maladaptive remodeling and myocardial failure [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. The accumulation of ROS is often also caused by dietary imbalances and incorrect lifestyles that can cause the production of pro-inflammatory hormones such as cortisol and insulin [ 57 ].…”

“…In addition, heart failure and muscle damage are two phenomena that affect professional athletes. In particular, heart failure has an incidence of 1/100,000 athletes [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ], while the incidence of muscle injuries in athletes is about 30–40% of the total injuries [ 34 , 35 ].…”

Sudden cardiac arrest on the field of play: turning tragedy into a survivable event

“…Preparation and rehearsal of an emergency action plan (EAP) are essential to decrease the chance of a catastrophic outcome. Guidelines for the development and implementation of an EAP have been previously outlined [ 15 – 19 ] and are broadly supported by the sports and medical communities. A comprehensive EAP includes training of likely first responders to a collapsed athlete, including on-site medical and club personnel, as well as access to an automated external defibrillator (AED), emergency medical services, and advanced care facilities (Tab.…”

“…According to best-practice recommendations [ 15 – 19 ], an effective cardiac EAP includes the following: Personnel training : All potential first responders, including team medical staff (athletic trainers, physiotherapists, and physicians), coaches, and appropriate school or venue staff, should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an AED. An emphasis on the prompt and accurate recognition of SCA is an essential part of this training.…”

“…The cardiovascular diseases and conditions that precipitate SCA comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders that usually exhibit no symptoms or warning signs prior to the sentinel event of SCA [ 1 , 12 ]. As a result, preparticipation cardiovascular screening is challenging and the optimal strategy to detect athletes with disorders at risk of sudden death remains controversial [ 13 – 15 ]. Thus, medical personnel responsible for athlete safety must be prepared to recognise, respond to, and effectively treat SCA.…”