Editorial: Advancing sports cardiology: new frontiers in athlete screening and recovery
By
Stefano Palermi
Francesca Graziano
Sara Monosilio
Luna Cavigli
Marco Vecchiato
June 8, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Progressing in Sports Cardiology: Innovative Approaches to Athlete Evaluation and Rehabilitation
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Cardiovascular health in athletes Key Mechanisms Integration of AI and multimodal screening for risk stratification Target Population Athletes, particularly those undergoing intense physical activity Care Setting Sports cardiology clinics and athletic training environments
Key Highlights
Preventive cardiovascular evaluation is crucial for mitigating sudden cardiac death risks in athletes. AI-driven frameworks enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalized risk stratification. Long-term follow-up studies confirm safety for asymptomatic athletes post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. HRV is a promising predictor of training-induced inflammation. Plyometric training significantly improves neuromuscular performance. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize AI-enhanced tools for cardiovascular screening. Implement multimodal clinical input analysis for risk assessment. Management
Develop evidence-based return-to-play protocols post-infection. Monitor workload and systemic inflammation non-invasively. Monitoring & Follow-up
Track heart rate variability as an indicator of recovery and training response. Risks
Be aware of hidden genetic conditions and coronary abnormalities in athletes. Patient & Prescribing Data
Athletes with varying degrees of cardiovascular risk.
Tailored strategies based on individual physiological responses and screening results.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate advanced echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in follow-ups. Use AI and digital tools to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Related Resources & Content
