Cardiac Changes Related to COVID-19 in Athletes: A Brief Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the cardiac changes related to COVID-19 in athletes, in addition to presenting the current recommendations for cardiac assessment and return to sport after COVID-19 infection. RECENT FINDINGS: The current state of the art suggests that myocarditis and pericarditis are the main cardiac pathologies related to the COVID-19 infection in athletes even after recovery. The criteria for determining and evaluating cardiac conditions are still discussed, as well as what stage of infection do cardiomyopathies occur. Return to sport should be aligned with cardiovascular risk stratification. SUMMARY: Cardiac changes related to COVID-19 infection have drawn the attention in the sports medicine field, while some questions about the course of the disease and its relationship with physical performance in athletes are still under investigation. In addition, feasible assessment techniques for cardiac assessments should be explored in the future.