Sports Medicine

Enhancing Athletic Performance and Recovery

with Digital Vascular Biomarkers

Fast Facts

#1

Sudden cardiac death is the leading medical cause of death during exercise in NCAA student-athletes.1

11%

of endurance athletes have a coronary artery calcium score (CAC) greater than 300.2

5X

Compared to non-athletes, endurance athletes are five times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (a-fib).3

Cardiovascular Fitness and Arterial Stiffening Go Hand-in-Hand

  • “There is an age-dependent effect of habitual exercise on aortic haemodynamics, with lower [aortic Systolic Blood Pressure] in young run ners compared to nonrunners only.”

    Wakeham DJ, Dawkins TG, Lord RN, et al.
    European Journal of Applied Physiology
  • Shibata S, Fujimoto N, Hastings JL, et al.

    "Casual exercise training of two to three times per week may be sufficient for middle-sized arteries like the carotid to minimize arterial stiffening with ageing. "

    Shibata S, Fujimoto N, Hastings JL, et al.
    The Journal of Physiology
  • Jung JY, Min KW, Ahn HJ, et al.

    “Moderate intensity exercise improved arterial stiffness with relation to cardiorespiratory fitness and also with central obesity in type 2 diabetes.”

    Jung JY, Min KW, Ahn HJ, et al.
    Diabetes & Metabolism Journal

Arterial Stiffness in Athletes

Arterial stiffness, characterized by reduced elasticity of the arteries, is a significant concern for athletes as it directly impacts cardiovascular efficiency and overall performance. Athletes, particularly those engaged in high-intensity and endurance sports, are at risk of increased arterial stiffness due to the substantial physical demands placed on their cardiovascular systems. This condition can lead to higher central blood pressure, increased workload on the heart, and impaired blood flow, which may diminish endurance and delay recovery.

Research Highlights

Optimize Cardiovascular Fitness

Vascular biomarkers are essential in optimizing athletic performance and managing recovery in sports medicine. By monitoring these biomarkers, such as arterial stiffness and central blood pressure, sports professionals can detect signs of overtraining early and tailor training regimens to enhance performance without overburdening the cardiovascular system. This early detection helps prevent injuries and allows for personalized recovery protocols, ensuring athletes recover fully before resuming intense activities. Integrating vascular biomarkers into training and recovery plans not only improves immediate performance but also contributes to long-term cardiovascular health, supporting sustained athletic success.

Utility of Vascular Biomarkers in Sports Medicine

  • Knez WL, Sharman JE, Jenkins DG, Coombes JS

    "Ultra-endurance athletes had increased sub-endocardial perfusion capacity and the quantity of exercise training was associated with central rather than peripheral hemodynamics."

    Knez WL, Sharman JE, Jenkins DG, Coombes JS
    Elsevier Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Enhance Athletic Potential with Vascular Biomarkers

Download Reimbursement Guide

In-Clinic

  • Comprehensive cardiovascular assessments including the status of arterial health.
  • Guide rehabilitation programs with exercises and recovery protocols targeting arterial health.
  • Reimbursable with CPT 93050.

At Home

  • Ongoing monitoring to detect alterations in arterial functions and structure.
  • Generate arterial health insights from daily activities.
  • Reimbursable with CPT 9945x & 99091.

1 Petek BJ, Churchill TW, Moulson N, et al. Sudden Cardiac Death in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes: A 20-Year Study. Circulation. 2024;149(2):80-90. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065908

2 Merghani A, Maestrini V, Rosmini S, et al. Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease in Masters Endurance Athletes With a Low Atherosclerotic Risk Profile. Circulation. 2017;136(2):126-137. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.026964

3 https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2019/08/16/08/20/Atrial-Fibrillation-in-Competitive-Athletes