Scientific Sessions

Sports cardiology and exercise physiology focus on optimizing cardiovascular health and performance in athletes and physically active individuals. This field examines how the heart adapts to varying levels of physical activity, distinguishing between physiological adaptations, such as “athlete’s heart,” and pathological conditions that may predispose to arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, or sudden cardiac death. Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation—including electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, stress testing, and advanced imaging—helps identify underlying heart conditions while guiding safe participation in competitive and recreational sports. Genetic screening and family history assessment are increasingly used to detect inherited cardiac disorders that could impact athletic performance or pose significant health risks.

Exercise physiology complements sports cardiology by studying the effects of training on cardiovascular function, metabolism, and muscular performance. Understanding how aerobic and resistance exercise influence cardiac output, heart rate variability, blood pressure, and vascular health allows for personalized training programs that enhance performance while minimizing cardiovascular risk. Additionally, sports cardiology provides guidance on recovery, nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention to support long-term heart health. Emerging technologies, including wearable monitors, telemetric data analysis, and AI-driven performance assessment, enable continuous monitoring and individualized optimization of cardiovascular function. By integrating clinical evaluation with exercise science, sports cardiology promotes safe, effective, and evidence-based physical activity, benefiting both elite athletes and the general population.