At UK, we have the only specialized sports cardiology program in Kentucky. Here you’ll get expert guidance and treatment from a heart team specially trained to care for the unique needs of athletes and active people. Our sports cardiologists work with heart imaging specialists, heart rhythm specialists, congenital heart experts and other providers to ensure you get the best care possible. We also coordinate with your referring provider, sports medicine physicians, coaches and athletic trainers.

We can help if you’re:

• Recovering from a cardiac event
• Looking to optimize your performance
• An athlete concerned about cardiovascular symptoms 
• Hoping to prevent heart problems

We treat people at all levels of play, including:

• Professional, elite and college athletes
• Community and recreational athletes
• Individuals looking to safely begin an exercise program
• Tactical athletes (law enforcement, fire, EMT and military)

We understand that every athlete's needs are unique. That's why we create personalized treatment plans to meet your specific goals and needs so you can stay active, healthy and competitive.

Our focus includes:

• Safety and prevention: Our comprehensive pre-participation screening prioritizes your safety and well-being if required by your team, you have a family history of heart problems or you have an existing heart condition.
• Management of existing heart conditions: If you have a heart condition, we can help you manage it while maintaining an active lifestyle. We work closely with you to adjust medications, modify training plans and offer ongoing support for your heart health. Our medication management complies with NCAA and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regulations. 
• Recovery and return to activity: We help you recover and safely return to your activities after a cardiac event. We offer specialized rehabilitation plans and guidance to support your journey back to health and an active life.

We specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in athletes and all active people. As part of your initial evaluation, you can expect:

• A comprehensive assessment and physical exam
• Diagnostic testing, including electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, pulmonary function testing, blood work and imaging
• Advanced cardiac imaging, including cardiac MRI and cardiac CT
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to see how exercise affects your heart

Services we offer include: 

• Pre-participation cardiac evaluation to assess your heart health before you start or return to an exercise program
• Cardiovascular performance optimization that includes strategies to enhance your athletic performance
• Return to play evaluation to determine when it's safe for you to return to your sport after a cardiac event or heart surgery
• Evaluation of exercise intolerance or decreased athletic performance to identify underlying heart conditions that may affect your performance
• Comprehensive cardiovascular screening and risk assessment to evaluate your overall heart health and identify potential risk factors