Sports Cardiology and Inherited Heart Conditions
Two questions have occupied me for over twenty years: how do you tell a healthy athlete's heart apart from a heart condition? And why do sudden cardiac deaths cluster in some families? My habilitation and my work as a consultant in cardiogenetics and sports cardiology at University Hospital Zurich addressed exactly these questions.
Sports Cardiology Assessment
When should an athlete have their heart checked?
For athletes with an abnormal ECG. For people who notice palpitations, dizziness or unusual shortness of breath during exertion. For athletes returning to sport after an illness. And for anyone who wants to know, before a major physical challenge, whether their heart is ready for it.
What happens during a sports fitness assessment?
Sports history and physical examination, resting ECG and echocardiography, further tests as indicated. In particular, this assesses the distinction between an athlete's heart and cardiomyopathy, rhythm disorders and exercise capacity.
Duration and report
60 minutes. You receive a written report and, where needed, a medical certificate.
Heart and Altitude
The Upper Engadin lies at around 1,700 metres, with the surrounding mountains considerably higher. Time spent at altitude changes blood pressure, heart rate and exercise capacity. For most people this is not a problem. Anyone with a known heart condition — high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease or heart failure — should consider an assessment before an extended stay or altitude training. The same applies before trekking trips to high altitude.
Inherited Heart Conditions
What does a sudden cardiac death in the family mean for me?
For families in which a sudden cardiac death has occurred — particularly in young people. For people with a known cardiomyopathy or channelopathy in the family. For relatives who want to know whether they themselves might be affected.
How does an assessment for an inherited heart condition work?
It begins with a detailed conversation and an extended family history; together we draw up a family tree. This is followed by an ECG and echocardiography, and further tests if needed. On this basis, I discuss with you whether genetic testing makes sense, what it can and cannot show — and which relatives should also be examined.
Genetic testing
The practice handles the counselling, the indication for testing and the blood draw. The genetic analysis itself is carried out by a specialised institute.
Training guidance, coaching and performance diagnostics without a medical question are not part of medical practice. You will find corresponding offers at Pulsengadin.
Head of the Swiss Olympic Medical Base at Klinik Gut St. Moritz.
I do not offer ergometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (spiroergometry) or further sports-medical performance diagnostics at the practice in Samedan. Where needed, I refer patients to the Swiss Olympic Medical Base at Klinik Gut St. Moritz, which I head.