Strategies of Return-to-Play After Specific Cardiovascular Entities

Abstract

Engaging in physical exercise and sports is a common part of the daily life of young people and adults. For subjects and athletes with cardiovascular diseases it is fundamental to evaluate whether the clinical conditions are appropriate to come back to competition. Although the safest possible return-to-play must be determined by the physicians in charge, even the society, coaches, sponsors, or relatives could influence this crucial decision. Unfortunately, detailed guidelines regarding the correct approach for each specific pathology are lacking or heterogeneous. Thus, a general approach concerning when to restart physical activity after cardiovascular diseases is here provided, considering different general and individual issues. Furthermore, some of the most frequent cardiovascular diseases among young athletes were specifically analyzed, discussing a proper return-to-play. Although physical activity is useful in the prevention and treatment of different cardiovascular diseases, the return-to-play must be approached carefully and an adequate collaboration between physicians, athletes, and third parties must be guaranteed because safety comes first, and follow-up is needed.