Cardiovascular Care of Masters Athletes

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2020 Jun;13(3):313-321. doi: 10.1007/s12265-020-09987-2. Epub 2020 Mar 18.

Abstract

Masters athletes (MA), men and woman older than 35 years who participate in competitive athletics, is a rapidly growing population that is increasingly encountered in clinical cardiovascular practice. Although the high levels of exercise typically performed by MA confer numerous health advantages, no amount of exercise confers complete immunity from cardiovascular disease. The review was written to cover the clinical management of MA with cardiovascular disease. Focus is dedicated to four of the most common clinical scenarios including atrial fibrillation, myocardial fibrosis, coronary artery disease, and dilation of the ascending aorta.

Keywords: Aortic dilation; Atrial fibrillation; Competitive athlete; Coronary artery disease; Masters athlete; Myocardial fibrosis; Sports cardiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aortic Aneurysm* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm* / physiopathology
  • Aortic Aneurysm* / therapy
  • Athletes*
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / therapy
  • Cardiomyopathies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiomyopathies* / physiopathology
  • Cardiomyopathies* / therapy
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / physiopathology
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / therapy
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Physical Endurance
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors