Sports Cardiology

S ports cardiology (SC) focuses on competitive athletes and highly active people who have or potentially have cardiovascular (CV) disease. 1 Patients are of all ages and all levels of activity, from recreational and competitive to the tactical athlete (eg, military, first responders).The sports cardiologist has an important role in comanagement of CV conditions with the athletes' primary health team (sports medicine, primary care, trainers, advanced practice practitioners, and other specialists) and promoting wellness, lifestyle modifications, preventive care, and exercise for all their patients.The 2 main aspects of the field could be characterized as a spectrum from "prevention" to "promotion."The former aims to prevent a major cardiac event, such as myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac arrest, or death, through thoughtful preparticipation evaluation, cardiac testing if indicated, and appropriate follow-up, management, and/or consultation with experts.Emergency action planning for a major cardiac event is paramount; the first sign or symptoms of CV disease could be the sentinel event itself.Promotion entails efforts to "return to play" safely through appropriate management of known CV disease or evaluating for previously undiagnosed CV disease.SC is not just about screening.Over the last 25 years, the field has transitioned its focus from