Heart Health During COVID-19
Especially with early data suggesting COVID-19 exposure can impact your heart, it’s important to stay tuned to your youth’s heart health.
Don’t Skip PPEs
Student athletes need an annual physical to be sure their heart is ready to play. Sports physicals (PPEs) are a long-established standard of care recommended by medical, education and sports communities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM). Before they return to their sports teams, be sure to visit your medical practitioner and ask for a comprehensive cardiac risk assessment as part of the physical.
Recommendations for Youth Exposed to COVID-19
Published by AMSSM and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Cardiopulmonary Considerations for High School Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic is a new guidance statement that addresses the recommended evaluation of high school student-athletes who have had COVID-19 exposure, symptoms or a diagnosis.
Recommendations range from taking a comprehensive cardiac risk assessment, which can include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, x-ray, CT or MRI, to consulting with a cardiology specialist to evaluate potential heart disorders that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The statement also reaffirmed that every organization should have a well-rehearsed cardiac emergency action plan for every sport, at every venue, to facilitate a coordinated and efficient response to SCA.
View the full AMSSM and NFHS recommendations for comprehensive risk assessment of COVID-affected youth.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has also posted COVID-19 Resources.
Return to Sports During COVID
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published a Safety Checklist for youth participating in sports during COVID and Understanding the Risks of youth participation in various sports environments. Find more interim guidance during COVID-19 here.
See updated recommendations on ECGs for youth exposed to COVID.
Cardiac Risk Assessment Resources
SCA is the #1 killer of student athletes and the leading cause of death on school campuses. Given studies show 1 in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk, best practice is to inventory risk factors and warning signs at home and review them with your doctor annually, or when changes occur.
There are several tools you can use to protect young hearts.
Know warning signs and family risk factors
Identify them by using:
• Cardiac Risk Assessment Form
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Use our free resources to learn more about SCA in youth.
Our Medical Director talks about COVID’s impact on sports clearance for student athletes.