Why the study?
COVID-19 causes significant cardiovascular complications, but data on cardiovascular complications and long-term outcomes in competitive athletes and highly active individuals are limited.
This position paper provides a practical guide for sports cardiologists and physicians in the Netherlands on screening and managing athletes >16 years old returning to sports after COVID-19.
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Caution advised for athlete return-to-play post-COVID; leaves open long-term cardiac outcome data in elite and active groups.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to preventive measures worldwide. With the decline of infection rates, less stringent restrictions for sports and exercise are being implemented. COVID-19 is associated with significant cardiovascular complications; however there are limited data on cardiovascular complications and long-term outcomes in both competitive (elite) athletes and highly active individuals. Based on different categories of disease severity (asymptomatic, regional/systemic symptoms, hospitalisation, myocardial damage, and/or myocarditis), in this point-of-view article we offer the (sports) cardiologist or sports physician in the Netherlands a practical guide to pre-participation screening, and diagnostic and management strategies in all athletes >16 years of age after COVID-19 infection.
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Verwoert et al. (2020) conducted a review in COVID-19. Return to sports screening and management strategies was evaluated. Expert consensus recommends risk stratification and targeted pre-participation screening for athletes over 16 years old returning to sports after COVID-19 based on disease severity.
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