Heart Health and Youth Sports: A Guide for Parents
By Chalese K. Richardson-Olivier, M.D., Pediatric Cardiologist, and Ivy Morin, Research Associate, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein
Bronx Voice
February 24, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health at every age— including in children. With winter wrapping up and spring sports seasons around the corner, many families are asking the same question: Is my child’s heart healthy enough for sports?
The news is reassuring: Most children and teens can safely participate in sports, and staying active is one of the best things kids can do for their hearts, bodies, and minds. Regular physical activity supports healthy growth, improves focus and mood, and lowers the risk of heart disease later in life.
As a pediatric cardiologist and heart rhythm specialist at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM), I want families to know that having a heart condition does not automatically mean a child cannot play sports. In fact, many children with heart conditions can still safely participate when their care is individualized. Newer guidance from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology emphasizes shared decision-making— meaning families, doctors, and sometimes coaches should work together to find the safest way for a child to stay active.
Why is A Sports Physical Important?
A sports physical is a key step in keeping young athletes safe. Ideally, this visit should happen during your child’s regular checkup or at least six weeks before the sports season starts. Planning ahead gives your pediatrician time to address any concerns and helps prevent delays that could cause a child to miss tryouts or games.
During the visit, your pediatrician will review your child’s medical history with special attention to heart-related symptoms. These may include:
- Fainting or nearly fainting, especially during exercise
- Chest pain with activity
- Racing or skipped heartbeats
- Shortness of breath that seems out of proportion to activity
- A family history of sudden or unexplained death at a young age
The physical exam includes checking blood pressure, monitoring the pulse, and carefully listening to the heart. Most children do not need routine heart tests like an EKG or echocardiogram. Those tests are used when the history or exam raises specific concerns.
If something concerning comes up, your pediatrician may recommend further testing or a referral to a pediatric cardiologist. This does not automatically mean a child cannot play sports— it just means we are being thoughtful and through.
Red Flags Parents Should Not Ignore
Certain symptoms should always prompt a medical visit before sports clearance:
- Fainting during or right after exercise
- Chest pain with exertion
- Unexplained seizures
- Known heart disease
- A close family member who died suddenly before age 50
If your child experiences any of these, do not “wait and see.” Call your pediatrician right away.
Safety Beyond the Doctor’s Office
Heart safety does not end with medical clearance. Families should feel empowered to ask whether their child’s school or sports league has:
- An emergency action plan
- An automated external defibrillator (AED) on site
- Adults trained in CPR
Quick action saves lives, and having these systems in place is especially important during games and practices.
Finally, to make the most of your child’s sports physical, remember:
- Schedule it early
- Complete health history forms honestly
- Bring a list of medications and asthma action plans, if applicable
- Ask questions and share concerns
If your child has a heart condition, we will work closely with your family - and when appropriate, coaches and schools - to support safe sport participation.
This American Heart Month, let’s remember that an active child is often a healthier child. At CHAM our pediatric cardiology team partners with families, pediatricians, schools, and coaches across the Bronx to support children’s heart health— from routine sports clearance to the evaluation and care of complex heart and heart rhythm conditions. With the right preparation and partnership, we can keep kids moving, thriving, and enjoying the sports they love!
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