Sports & Return-to-Play Cardiac Clearance
Young athletes fear missing the sport they love after a cardiac scare. But the deeper fear for parents is uncertainty - not knowing what is truly risky, what is safe, and what to do next. A careful cardiac evaluation is designed to replace uncertainty with a clear assessment of what is safe. For many conditions, the path forward is straightforward. For others - such as anomalous coronary arteries or subtle structural variations - the medical evidence is complex.
When answers are not black-and-white, I will lay out the full picture: what we know, what we do not, and what different options mean for your child.
You move from uncertainty and speculation to informed decision-making.
A sports season does not wait. I can typically complete an evaluation within days—so your athlete gets a clear answer while it still matters.
What an evaluation may include
- An athlete-focused electrocardiogram (ECG or heart rhythm test) interpretation
- An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), when indicated
- 7 or 14 day heart rhythm monitoring, mailed to your home, when indicated
- Coordination for exercise stress testing, when indicated
You leave with either a written clearance or a specific plan, depending on what the evaluation shows. The goal is to support safe participation wherever possible, rather than restriction by default.
I am happy to work closely with your child's coach, trainer, pediatrician, and school.
How the evaluation works
When you come to see me for sports clearance, I take a detailed history of your child's symptoms during activity - such as any fainting, chest pain, or exercise limitations - and the family history of heart disease. I perform a physical exam and an ECG interpreted using athlete-specific criteria. If indicated, I perform an echocardiogram.
If clearance is appropriate, I provide it. If I find limitations or concerns, I discuss what I found with you and your child, and together we create a safe plan for participation. You receive a written clearance (or guidance on modifications) that you can share with your child's coach or school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
Schedule a free 20-minute Meet & Greet to discuss your child's needs, or explore services and pricing to learn more.
Online scheduling is coming soon. To book your appointment, please text or call (760) 760-4170 or email hello@CoeurCardiology.com.
Explore further
Continue exploring the practice
Begin with a conversation
Let's start with a free Meet & Greet.
A 20-minute video call to share what question or concern brought you here and see whether I am the right fit to help. Please note that this is not a medical consultation and does not constitute clinical advice.
Online scheduling is coming soon. To book your appointment, please text or call (760) 760-4170 or email hello@CoeurCardiology.com.