Our approach to sports cardiology testing

As a professional athlete, peak performance is essential. For recreational athletes, regular exercise can support daily wellbeing. 

But if you have a personal or family history of heart disease, you may need a closer look at your heart health. 

Sports cardiology testing can help distinguish between “normal” shortness of breath during intense activity and symptoms that may signal a serious heart problem.

At UCI Health, your care is multidisciplinary. Depending on your needs, you may work with: 

• Sports medicine specialists
• Cardiologists
• Preventive cardiologists
• Interventional cardiologists
• Genetic specialists
• Advanced imaging experts
• Electrophysiologists 

Together, we provide a thorough cardiovascular evaluation. 

We assess how your heart responds to exercise, look for potential heart conditions and help you exercise safely and confidently. 

How to work with us

We accept referrals from your cardiologist or primary care physician.

You can also make an appointment by calling 714-456-6699.

If your insurance does not cover our services, payment is due at the time of your visit.

Sports cardiology testing is a diagnostic program. If you need medical treatment, we can refer you to UCI Health heart health specialists, genetic specialists or other clinicians. 

What is sports cardiology testing?

Sports cardiology testing evaluates your heart health before, during or after physical activity.

It can help active individuals understand whether their hearts are responding normally to exercise.

Sports cardiology tests may help:

• Evaluate how your heart manages physical stress
• Clear adult athletes for safe participation
• Assess athletes with known heart conditions
• Uncover hidden cardiac problems
• Optimize physical performance
• Guide safe exercise recommendations

Testing may include:

• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• CT coronary angiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram, or ECG/EKG
• Electrophysiology study
• Event monitor
• Exercise stress test
• Genetic testing

Your testing plan depends on your health history, symptoms, family history, sport and performance goals.

What do I need to do before an appointment?

Your care team will give you instructions specific to your tests.

You should also be ready to discuss: 

• Your personal medical history
• Your family history of heart disease
• Your current exercise routine
• Any symptoms during activity
• Your sport or fitness goals
• Medications or supplements you take

Benefits of sports cardiology testing

Sports cardiology testing can help you better understand your heart and exercise safely. 

Benefits may include: 

• Peace of mind about your heart health
• Detection of previously unknown heart conditions
• Clearance for athletes to compete safely
• Personalized exercise guidance
• Performance optimization strategies
• Safer activity recommendations for athletes with heart conditions
• Referrals to cardiac, genetic or other specialists when needed

For some athletes, testing may reveal no serious concerns. For others, it may identify an issue early enough to guide treatment or prevent complications. 

What to expect

You can expect a detailed evaluation. 

Your clinicians will ask about your personal and family medical history. You will also discuss your fitness, lifestyle and athletic goals. 

Your evaluation may include: 

• A review of symptoms
• A cardiovascular exam
• Cardiac testing based on your needs
• Assessment of stress levels and cardiac health
• Discussion of safe exercise recommendations
• Personalized guidance based on your goals

After testing, our specialists will explain what your results mean and what next steps may be appropriate. 

What happens after my tests?

You will typically receive your test results within 24 to 48 hours.

Our specialists make personalized recommendations based on your fitness, activity or professional performance goals.

If needed, we can refer you to:

• A cardiologist
• A preventive cardiologist
• An interventional cardiologist
• A genetic specialist
• Another UCI Health specialist

Your follow-up plan may include counseling, performance optimization, recovery strategies or medical treatment.

Why choose UCI Health for sports cardiology testing?

Research-informed heart care

As part of Orange County’s only academic health system, UCI Health physician-researchers are engaged in ongoing clinical research.

If you qualify for an appropriate clinical trial, you may have access to treatments not yet widely available.

Multidisciplinary evaluation 

Sports cardiology testing may involve several areas of expertise. 

At UCI Health, sports medicine, cardiology, preventive cardiology, interventional cardiology, genetics and imaging specialists can work together to evaluate your heart health. 

Fewer barriers to coordinated care 

Our multidisciplinary approach helps reduce barriers to organized, comprehensive care. 

If your condition is complex, we can connect you with the right specialist and help guide your next steps. 

Personalized recommendations for your goals 

Your testing is not one-size-fits-all.  

We consider your sport, activity level, symptoms, personal history, family history and performance goals before recommending next steps.

To learn more, or to make an appointment, call 714-456-6699.