Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, athletes and physicians were concerned that infection with the SARS-2-CoV virus could result in myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), so all significant sports leagues required athletes to obtain cardiac testing before returning to practices or competitions.
Fortunately, the rate of myocarditis during and after COVID-19 infections is much lower than initially feared In addition, the risk of developing it can be reliably predicted based on the severity of the illness during infection. In response to this emerging data, the American College of Cardiology has adopted guidelines on who requires cardiac screening and testing after a SARS-2-CoV infection:
| |
Follow Latest CDC-Self-Isolation Recommendation? |
Cardiac Testing Required Before Returning to Exercise? |
Training Guidelines |
| Asymptomatic infection |
Yes |
No |
Abstain from any exercise for three days after a positive test and resume training after self-isolation. Slowly ramp up training.* |
| Mild symptoms with infection: Runny nose, chest congestion, cough, sinus congestion, headache |
Yes |
No |
Resume training after self-isolation and after symptoms of infection are gone completely. Slowly ramp up training.* |
| Cardiovascular symptoms or hospitalization with infection: Chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath (dyspnea), palpitations, or passing out (syncope). |
Yes |
Yes |
See a sports cardiologist for appropriate cardiac testing before returning to exercise. |
*Symptoms during exercise: Even in mild or asymptomatic cases, athletes often notice a racing heart rate or excessive shortness of breath when returning to training after a COVID infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a sports cardiologist.
