title: Cardiovascular adaptation and cardiac disease in the elite athlete.
abstract: Cardiovascular diseases are uncommon among trained athletes. Their occurrences mostly depend on the individual's age and fitness levels. Adequate understanding of the cardiovascular adaptations undergone by the competitive athletes' heart is of paramount importance in order to differentiate them from serious cardiovascular conditions. Diagnosing these abnormalities early may prevent rare but devastating potential complications associated with athletic activities and defines appropriate activity restrictions to minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death. This article will review concerns related to competitive athlete's cardiovascular adaptations and diseases, in light of specific recommendations presented in the 36th Bethesda Conference guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Caribbean Healthcare System, Puerto Rico. delrio2008@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Valentín
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Del Río-santiago
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Santiago Trinidad
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vicenty Rivera
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D056352:Athletes; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*