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When you think about heart disease, you may imagine it affecting people later in life. But the truth is, good heart health begins early — especially for young athletes who push their bodies to the limit.
Dr. David Wild, a cardiologist at Holy Name, is passionate about helping people of all ages — and particularly young athletes — take proactive steps to protect their heart health. “Athletes may feel invincible because they’re young and active, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to heart conditions,” he says. “Early screening is one of the best ways to prevent serious complications later.”
One condition Dr. Wild stresses the importance of monitoring atrial fibrillation, also called AFib. This heart rhythm disorder can lead to serious complications. While Afib is more common in older adults, it can also appear in younger patients without noticeable symptoms. Since athletes may already experience higher strain on their hearts, identifying Afib or other heart rhythm abnormalities early is critical. Routine screenings can help uncover Afib, as well as other silent risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, or sleep apnea, before they interfere with an athlete’s performance or long-term health. “The goal isn’t just to treat illness,” Dr. Wild explains. “It’s to keep people healthy, active, and doing the things they love for as long as possible.”
For young athletes, screenings are also about reassurance. Knowing your heart is strong provides the confidence to perform at your best, whether training, competing, or simply staying active for fun. And if something is detected, today’s treatments and lifestyle strategies make it easier to manage conditions and prevent complications.
Dr. Wild encourages parents, coaches, and young athletes to view heart screenings as vital to overall training and wellness. “We focus so much on building endurance and strength,” he says. “But none of that matters if the heart isn’t cared for.”
Starting routine heart screenings early gives young people and athletes the best chance to catch problems before they become serious and begins a proactive foundation for wellness.
To learn more about heart screenings or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wild, visit holyname.org or call (201) 227-6040.
