13th January 2026

THE IMPORTANCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR CHECK-UPS FOR ATHLETES: TRAINING SAFELY IS ALSO ABOUT SELF-CARE

Regular physical activity and sport can have many benefits for cardiovascular, physical and mental health. However, in some cases, particularly during intense physical activity, doing exercise can be risky if a latent and previously undiagnosed heart condition is involved. In extreme circumstances, these conditions can lead to serious incidents such as sudden death.

That is why a cardiovascular check-up for athletes is a crucial step in training safely and responsibly. At Hospiten, we have specialists in cardiology and sports and physical activity cardiology who are equipped with the latest technology to carry out a thorough cardiovascular examination. This type of assessment is an essential tool not only for athletes, but also for coaches, sports instructors and health professionals who provide advice on training plans.

Why is a sports cardiology check-up so important?

Most heart conditions that can lead to a serious incident have no prior symptoms, meaning they go undetected until an episode occurs during physical exertion. A thorough cardiovascular examination can:

• Detect underlying heart disease.

• Determine the existence of any medical reasons that would prevent participation in sports.

• Identify specific risks linked to certain sports.

• Determine the body's true tolerance for physical exertion.

• Optimise athletic performance safely and reliably.

Who should get a sports cardiology check-up?

This test is especially recommended for:

• Young people aged 12 and over who participate in competitive sports.

• Athletes who do regular moderate or high-intensity physical exercise (runners, etc.).

• People with a family history of cardiovascular disease, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes who are about to take up physical activity.

• People over the age of 35 who play competitive (federated) sport.

• National or international competitive athletes.

What is included in the Sports Cardiology appointment at Hospiten?

At Hospiten, we use advanced technology to perform a thorough and personalised examination. The appointment includes:

• A thorough clinical interview, focusing particularly on cardiovascular risk factors.

• A complete physical examination.

• A 12-lead resting electrocardiogram.

• Echocardiography with detailed analysis of cardiac function and possible congenital or acquired abnormalities.

• Treadmill stress test, adapted to each athlete's characteristics and needs, which rules out arrhythmias and ischaemia and assesses the heart's response to exercise.

Do sport, but do it safely

Looking after your heart is an essential part of getting long-term enjoyment from sport. Not only does a cardiovascular check-up prevent serious complications, it also helps you to understand your body better and work out more effectively and safely.

If you exercise regularly or plan to start a strenuous physical activity, a cardiological examination can make the difference between training with uncertainty or doing so with peace of mind and confidence.

At Hospiten, we look after your heart so you can continue enjoying sport in complete safety.

SPORT, CHILDHOOD AND PREVENTION: LOOKING AFTER THE HEART FROM THE EARLY STAGES

Childhood is a key phase for acquiring lifelong healthy habits. Regular exercise not only favours children's physical and emotional development, but has also proved to be one of the most effective tools for preventing future illnesses. However, to ensure that sport is truly healthy, knowledge and care of the heart from an early age is also essential.

This is why Hospiten's new Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology Unit was created, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and support for children and young people who do physical activity, especially in sports.

Heart health and children's sports: prevention before risk

Although childhood heart conditions are rare in general, there are certain disorders, often congenital and asymptomatic, which may go unnoticed and only manifest themselves when the child takes part in high-intensity exercise, such as competitive sports.

Therefore, paediatric cardiac screening has become a key tool to guarantee safe exercise. The aim is not to limit exercise, but to detect possible predispositions early on, provide families with appropriate guidance and allow children to continue playing sports with peace of mind and confidence.

Promoting safe sport at an early age

In a society where childhood sedentary lifestyles are a major public health challenge, promoting sport is a priority from an early age. In addition, doing so with medical guarantees underpins the message that more sport leads to better health and greater prevention.

Hospiten's new Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology Unit, located at Hospiten Rambla, Bellevue and Sur University Hospitals, uses a holistic and specialised approach, combining clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology to carry out assessments adapted to each child, avoiding overdiagnosis and false positives.

Health alongside growth

Looking after the heart from an early age is an investment in future wellbeing. Supporting children in their sporting development, detecting possible abnormalities early on and offering reassurance to families and coaches all form part of a vision of health that goes beyond treatment: healthcare that is preventive, accessible and committed to sport and childhood.