Post Visit II - Competitive Sport Athletes and Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases

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Jul 10, 2019 | Katrina Sorensen, Research Coordinator | @katrinasorensen

If you or one of your family members has been diagnosed with a genetic heart rhythm disorder, you already have had to deal with a lot of struggles that come with it. If you or one of your family members is a competitive athlete, these struggles are ten-fold.

Often times, athletes who have been diagnosed with a GHD are disqualified from competitive sports until they can see a specialist that is willing to clear them for play. Dr. Michael Ackerman, the director of the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic and a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, is one of these specialists. However, there are many important considerations that need to be discussed before an athlete can return to competitive sports.

In the video below, Dr. Ackerman discusses the five most important items to consider as you decide whether or not to remain an athlete and return to the sports.

Check out the Heart Rhythm Conditions group to join discussions and read other people's opinions with genetic heart rhythm disorders about returning to sports.