OPSMC is excited to announce it is home to Australia's first dedicated sports cardiology consulting service.

Melbourne Sports Cardiology are now consulting at OPSMC. Dr David Bertovic and Associate Professor David Prior bring their expertise in clinical cardiology and a research background in sports cardiology to the clinic in a unique combined service for this new area.

In recognition of the importance of cardiac health in sport, many elite sports are now introducing cardiac screening including ECG for all their athletes. This will require specialist expertise to interpret findings from screening and advise on management. Other athletes may suffer cardiac related problems that need to be managed in the context of their chosen sport and other athletes may have cardiac issues caused by sport. David Bertovic and Asoc. Prof David Prior's links to two of Melbourne's major cardiac hospitals provide not only pathways for more advanced assessment and treatment if required, but also the opportunity to advance research and understanding of sports cardiology.

Reasons for referral will vary but may include:

• New feelings of breathlessness, palpitations or chest pain during exercise
• Unexpected but unexplained change in performance during exercise
• Pre-competition screening or identified cardiac abnormality on screening
• Return to sport after previously identified cardiac problem

Assessment includes history and examination to assess both medical and sport-related problems, an Electrocardiogram (ECG) and where appropriate, further testing which may include Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) either at rest or with exercise, cardiac MRI or Electrophysiology testing for significant cardiac rhythm disturbances.

Our aim is to identify and manage important and sometimes life threatening cardiovascular problems with the clear goal of maintaining the safe return of the athlete to their chosen sport wherever possible. Cardiovascular care is yet another important addendum to the integrated approach already provided by the existing range of specialist sports medicine services.

• Patients will require a medical referral for this service