Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Sports Cardiology Clinic

In the Sports Cardiology Clinic, a team of physicians and other medical professionals evaluate and treat cardiac symptoms with the goal of keeping athletes active in sports. The sports cardiologists have experience treating athletes and understand the importance of sports participation. They focus on offering treatment that will allow athletes to continue playing sports when possible. A major focus of the evaluation is to identify potentially serious cardiovascular disorders that, if left untreated, could harm the athlete.

Sports Cardiology Clinic staff take an integrated approach to treating patients, working with specialists in Cardiology, Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and other departments.

Program components

A sports cardiologist evaluates affected athletes and suggests the most appropriate treatment options that may allow them to stay active in sports. Sports cardiologists have extensive experience treating cardiac conditions. Many also have personal athletic experience and understand the importance of sports to an athlete. Physicians work with patients to efficiently evaluate and treat their symptoms.

Evaluation and treatment are tailored to an individual's needs and can include:

• A thorough review of the patient's medical history
• Review of athletic history
• A cardiovascular examination
• Evaluation of symptoms
• Electrocardiogram
• Cardiopulmonary exercise tests and/or other diagnostic cardiac tests, when indicated
• Laboratory testing
• Sports nutrition consultation
• Sports medicine evaluation and consultation
• Physical therapy
• Training advice to stay active in sports and improve athletic performance
• Referrals to other specialists, if a cardiologist cannot resolve the health issue

Potential patients

Potential patients for the Sports Cardiology Clinic include adult athletes who are involved at any level from recreational to high-level competition. Adolescent athletes, ages 15 or older, may also be evaluated in the Sports Cardiology Clinic. Patients may be self-referred or sent by their local physician.

Patients come to the Sports Cardiology Clinic for many reasons, including:

• Clearance to continue sports participation after cardiovascular surgery or a cardiac event
• Evaluation of symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath that occur during training or competition
• Evaluation of an unexplained deterioration in performance
• Discussion of concerns about family history of cardiovascular disease
• Evaluation of impaired athletic performance due to previous medical treatment
• Advice on controlling cardiovascular risk factors
• Desire for a comprehensive cardiovascular screening

Appointments

Patients may be referred by their primary physicians, or they may make an appointment themselves. To set up an initial evaluation with the Sports Cardiology Clinic, please call
507-284-3994, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

Professional staff