Need to perform:
"Athletes with MS should be evaluated annually to determine whether sports participation can continue."
(Class I Recommendation; Level of Evidence C)
"Exercise testing to at least the level of activity achieved in competition and the training regimen is useful in confirming asymptomatic status in patients with MS ."
(Class I Recommendation; Level of Evidence C)
Mild MS, sinus rhythm
"It is reasonable for athletes with mild MS (mitral valve area >2.0 cm2, mean gradient < 10 mm Hg at rest) in sinus rhythm to participate in all competitive sports."
(Class IIa Recommendation; Level of Evidence C)
Severe MS, regardless of rhythm
"Athletes with severe MS (mitral valve area < 1.5 cm2) in either sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation should not participate in competitive sports, with the possible exception of low-intensity (class IA) sports."
(Class III Recommendation; Level of Evidence C)
Not Recommended
For patients on anticoagulation therapy, regardless of MS severity: "Patients with MS of any severity who are in atrial fibrillation or have a history of atrial fibrillation, who must receive anticoagulation therapy, should not engage in any competitive sports involving the risk of bodily contact."(Class III Recommendation; Level of Evidence C)
Reference: Eligibility and Disqualification Recommendations for Competitive Athletes With Cardiovascular Abnormalities. Task Force 5: Valvular Heart Disease.
A Scientific Statement From the AHA and ACC. Circulation 2015
Disclaimer: This website is derived from published guidelines, but does not constitute medical advice nor does it replace clinical judgement. Only the text in quotation marks are direct quotations from the original guidelines. Text not in quotations as well as the method of information display are all that of the website creator and are not part of the original published guidelines. Please consult a physician to discuss any patient-specific matters.
Key: MS = mitral stenosis