A Brief Overview of Myocarditis

Myocarditis is one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes. According to current international recommendations, athletes should generally refrain from competitive sports for three to six months after experiencing myocarditis. However, this period may be extended to 12 months in complicated cases. This recommendation is based on limited evidence, primarily from autopsy studies and expert opinion. The uncertainty stems from the fact that suspending athletes for prolonged periods can disrupt their training and competitions, potentially resulting in decreased performance and an inability to compete. This brief review summarises the key principles of granting athletic clearance to athletes with myocarditis and their return to athletic activity.