Keeping Young Athletes Safe: What Parents Should Know About Sports Cardiology

For many children and teens, sports are more than just an after-school activity. They are central to identity, friendships, confidence and, for some, future college opportunities. At Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the Sports Cardiology Program helps ensure young athletes can participate safely while performing at their best.

“Sports cardiology is a specialty focused on keeping young athletes safe while helping them perform at their best,” states Dr. Ranjit Philip, associate chief of Cardiology and director of the Pediatric Cardiology Clinic at Le Bonheur. “We evaluate how the heart responds to exercise, identify any cardiac condition and help athletes, families and coaches make informed, evidence-based decisions about safe participation in sports. Our goal is not to limit kids, but really to keep them active in the safest possible way.”

What Makes Sports Cardiology Different?

Unlike general cardiology visits, sports cardiology focuses on how the heart acts during physical stress. The program uses a multidisciplinary approach that includes pediatric cardiologists, advanced imaging specialists, electrophysiologists who study heart rhythm and sometimes genetics experts. Athletic trainers and school nurses are also key partners.

“Our goals are the same,” Dr. Philip shares. “We want to make sure every kid can play and play safely.”

How Do Parents Know When to Request a Sports Cardiology Exam?

Children may be referred to sports cardiology in several ways — through pediatricians, athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians or directly by families who have concerns due to symptoms or family history. “Sometimes, families reach out because they know of a relative who passed out on the field,” Dr. Philip explains. “They want to make sure the rest of the family is okay.”

Clinic visits start with a detailed medical history and physical exam, with special attention to symptoms during exercise. Initial testing usually includes an EKG, or electrocardiogram, to assess heart rhythm and an echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, to evaluate structure. These tests help identify common causes of sudden cardiac events, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or a thickened heart muscle, and abnormal coronary arteries.

The Sports Cardiology Exam Process

If needed, additional testing may include exercise stress testing, Holter monitoring to track heart rhythm during days or weeks or cardiac MRI for more detailed imaging. “We usually go to advanced testing if we have doubts in our first panel of tests,” Dr. Philip notes.

Not every child needs to see a sports cardiologist, but certain red flags should prompt evaluation. “Pay attention to symptoms that happen during or immediately after exercise,” Dr. Philip advises. These include chest pain, fainting or near-fainting, palpitations and extreme fatigue compared to peers.

Family history also matters. “We’re not talking about someone who had a heart attack at 50,” he emphasizes. “We’re talking about a family member in their twenties who suddenly collapsed. Those conditions can run in families.”

Why Choose Le Bonheur?

Le Bonheur’s sports cardiology program also supports high school and collegiate athletes across the region, offering rapid evaluations when concerns arise during training or competition. “We’ll see them within forty-eight hours in clinic and get all this testing done,” Dr. Philip offers. “These athletes often have games every week, and decisions about return-to-play need to happen quickly but safely.”

When a heart condition is found, the goal is careful, personalized decision-making—not automatic restriction. “We are not here to tell you not to play. We are here to navigate this with you so that you can play and get back to playing sooner than later. Not all heart findings mean a child has to stop playing sports,” assures Dr. Philip.

The Treatment Journey

Treatment plans are created by evidence-based guidelines and may involve short-term rest, additional monitoring or adjustments in activity while the heart recovers. “Our philosophy is always protect the athlete, preserve their identity and help them stay active whenever it is safe to do so,” Dr. Philip assures.

For parents, the message is reassuring: most kids can continue participating in sports, even if heart concerns arise, as long as they are properly evaluated. And when in doubt, Dr. Philip encourages families to ask questions. “No question is a wrong question. We’re always available.”

By combining specialized testing, fast access to care and a team approach, Le Bonheur’s sports cardiology program helps young athletes stay safe — and stay in the game.