Heart Health Screenings for Athletes: Prevention, Performance, and Lifelong Wellness

Heart Health Screenings: Staying in the Game for Life

When we think about athlete health, injuries like concussions or torn ligaments often come to mind. However, one of the most important and often overlooked elements of performance and longevity happens beneath the surface: heart health.

At Beyond the Game Health, prevention is part of training. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a student athlete, or an everyday champion staying active, heart health screenings help ensure your body is ready for the demands you place on it.

Why Heart Health Screenings Matter for Athletes

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and many cardiovascular conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. Even athletes in peak physical condition may have undiagnosed risks that only appear through routine cardiovascular screening.

For young athletes, screening is especially important. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading non-traumatic cause of death among young athletes and can occur without warning during intense physical activity. While rare, early identification of risk factors can be lifesaving.

Key Heart Health Screenings to Know

Blood Glucose Screening

Energy is fuel and blood sugar is the scoreboard.

Blood glucose testing evaluates how effectively the body converts food into energy. Persistently elevated glucose levels increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• High blood glucose is associated with increased risk of diabetes and heart complications

• Routine testing is recommended beginning at age 45, or earlier for individuals with risk factors

• An A1C level of 6.5% or higher may indicate diabetes

• Early detection supports prevention of long-term cardiovascular damage

Blood Pressure Screening

Tracking performance under pressure.

High blood pressure often presents without symptoms but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Athletes are not immune, and elevated readings can go unnoticed without regular screening.

• Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg

• Annual screening is recommended for most adults

• Elevated readings may require closer monitoring or treatment

• Blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medication

Body Composition and Heart Health

Built for performance and long-term wellness.

Body composition measures such as weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference provide important insight into cardiovascular risk beyond physical fitness alone.

• Excess body weight increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and arrhythmias

• Maintaining a healthy range supports endurance, recovery, and heart function

• Even modest improvements can reduce long-term cardiovascular risk

Cholesterol Screening

Balancing offense and defense.

• Cholesterol screening measures LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, key indicators of cardiovascular risk.

• A simple blood test helps predict risk for heart attack or stroke

• Screening becomes increasingly important after age 40

• Some individuals require more frequent testing based on personal or family history

• Lifestyle changes and medications can help maintain healthy levels

Lifestyle Choices: The Training That Happens Off the Field

Heart health is influenced not only by screening results but also by daily habits.

• Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to reduce cardiovascular risk

• Balanced nutrition supports both heart health and athletic performance

• Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves blood pressure and cholesterol

• Health care providers can offer personalized, evidence-based guidance

Cardiovascular Screening for Young and High School Athletes

The American Heart Association recommends annual pre-participation cardiovascular screening for competitive athletes. This includes a targeted personal history, family history, and physical examination using a standardized 14-element checklist.

If this initial evaluation raises concerns, follow-up testing such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) or echocardiograms may be appropriate. However, the AHA does not recommend mandatory mass ECG screening due to concerns about access, cost, false positives, and strain on the health care system.

Research also shows that many clinicians do not consistently follow national screening guidelines, highlighting the need for improved education, standardized protocols, and equitable access to care.

Emergency Preparedness: A Critical Layer of Prevention

Screening alone is not enough. Experts emphasize the importance of secondary prevention, particularly in school and community sports programs.

• CPR-trained staff and coaches

• Easily accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

• Clear emergency action plans at athletic events

These measures significantly improve survival outcomes when sudden cardiac arrest occurs.

Staying in the Game for Life

Heart health screenings are not about limiting participation, they are about empowerment, protection, and longevity. Understanding cardiovascular health allows athletes and active individuals to train smarter, reduce preventable risks, and stay engaged in the activities they love.

At Beyond the Game Health, we believe every athlete deserves access to preventive care, education, and support, because staying in the game means planning for the long run.