Clinical Considerations for the Care of the Tactical Athlete With Cardiovascular Abnormalities
Updated: September 03, 2026
- This scientific statement is the first ACC/AHA document intended to provide formal cardiovascular care guidance specifically for tactical athletes, including military personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
- Tactical athletes encounter unique occupational demands, such as intermittent high-intensity exertion, exposure to extreme environments, use of heavy equipment, and engagement in life-threatening situations, all of which contribute to cardiovascular risk.
- Distinct from shared decision-making in sports, this statement proposes Tactical Clinical Management (TCM) as a novel framework for integrating medical care, operational risk, and mission impact.
Supporting Materials
- Top Things to Know: Clinical Considerations for the Care of the Tactical Athlete With Cardiovascular Abnormalities
- News Release: New guidance introduces framework for assessing cardiovascular risk
- News Release Spanish: Nuevas directrices presentan un esquema para evaluar el riesgo cardiovascular y la aptitud para el servicio en atletas tácticos
Recommended Reading
- Clinical Considerations for Competitive Sports Participation for Athletes With Cardiovascular Abnormalities
- 2024 Guideline for the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- 2025 Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
- 2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease
- 2023 Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- 2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline
- 2026 Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults