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Echocardiography in Athletes: the Ever-Evolving Assessment of Physiology Versus Pathology

  • Open Access
  • 01-12-2026
  • CSF Drainage
  • Echocardiography (JM Gardin and AH Waller, Section Editors)
Published in:

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review article summarizes the established physiologic adaptations seen on echocardiogram in athletes and provides a focus update and perspective on changing diagnostic criteria in several pathologies known to overlap with exercise induced cardiac remodeling.

Recent Findings

There have been recent publications regarding improved diagnostic criteria for apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, shift towards “excessive trabeculations” rather than historically termed non-compaction, and expanding knowledge of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. Exercise induced cardiac remodeling can be mistaken for these pathologies, among others.

Summary

As the evaluation of cardiomyopathies changes with the growing understanding of the pathology, it is important that these updates are compared to the potential physiologic adaptation seen in athletic training. It is imperative for the practicing cardiologist to remain knowledgeable of these evolving guidelines.
Title
Echocardiography in Athletes: the Ever-Evolving Assessment of Physiology Versus Pathology
Authors
John T. Fritzlen
Matthew W. Martinez
Publication date
01-12-2026
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 1/2026
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-025-02327-3
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Independent Medical Education Grant:
  • Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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Image Credits
Abstract graphic of layered, concentric circular shapes in bright green, pink, blue, and purple on a dark blue background. The rings and segments form a complex radial pattern without text/© Springer Health+ IME