Certificate in Sports Cardiology

Sports cardiology is the field that focuses on detecting cardiovascular diseases that could potentially cause sudden death in athletes and provides medical counseling for athletes diagnosed with these conditions. Over the last two decades, this subspecialty has grown exponentially, with five times more publications in this period. Several factors contribute to the increasing interest in sports cardiology:

1. High training volumes have been linked to the development of atrial fibrillation and pathological remodeling of the right ventricle in genetically predisposed athletes. Understanding these factors is essential to prevent or slow down their occurrence.
2. Exercise-induced structural and electrical remodeling can mimic heart diseases, where high-intensity exercise may lead to sudden death. Advances in cardiac imaging techniques over the past two decades have introduced new tools for differentiating between an athlete’s heart and cardiomyopathy. Additionally, evolving technology now allows monitoring of heart rates and even electrocardiograms during sports activities, improving the diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in both elite and recreational athletes.
3. Physical training offers numerous cardiovascular benefits for both healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular conditions. Prescribing appropriate physical exercise provides these benefits while protecting the health of patients with cardiopathies.

The “dose” of physical exercise has medical, social, and political implications, making it a priority in international policies. Economically, physical exercise can reduce cardiovascular healthcare costs and drive investment in cardiology-related technology. Current training options include brief courses and one-year clinical and research programs offered by specialized centers in sports cardiology. However, there is no certification matching the requirements of sports cardiology.

The European Society of Cardiology is developing an international certification for sports cardiologists, with an exam expected to be available in April/May 2023. A training program to prepare for this certification is also in progress, although it is not officially associated with the European Society of Cardiology. This certification could serve as preparation for the exam, particularly for Spanish-speaking professionals.