Hypertension in athletes

Abstract

Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease in athletes. Prompt diagnosis and management is crucial for ensuring safe sport participation and prevention of long term complications in athletes. Many diagnostic tools are involved in the management algorithm of the hypertension starting from good anamnesis especially the family history, as well as other simple and sophisticated paramedical imaging techniques, as ECG, Echocardiography, 24 Hours ambulatory ECG monitoring, cardiac MRI and many others. Distinguishing an athlete heart from pathological heart muscle hypertrophy is the key step for the differential diagnosis. Conclusion: Proper pharmacological and non pharmacological measures will facilitate satisfying long term prognosis for the athletes.