ACC/AHA Clinical Considerations for the Care of the Tactical Athlete With Cardiovascular Abnormalities Guideline Summary

Document Overview

Design and created by Guideline Central in participation with the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.

Document Overview

Document Title: Clinical Considerations for the Care of the Tactical Athlete With Cardiovascular Abnormalities

Authoring Societies

American College of Cardiology

Source Citation: Dineen, E, Haigney, M, Levine, B. et al. Clinical Considerations for the Care of the Tactical Athlete With Cardiovascular Abnormalities: A Scientific Statement From the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. JACC. null2026, 0 (0) .
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2026.07.003

Document Objectives: The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Scientific Statement, “Clinical Considerations for the Care of the Tactical Athlete With Cardiovascular Abnormalities,” was written to provide guidance and education for clinicians caring for the tactical athlete (ie, firefighters, law enforcement officers, military) with cardiovascular disease or risk for cardiovascular disease, and for the organizations overseeing the care and wellness of these athletes. The considerations are shaped by the interaction between occupational demands and fit for full duty assessments, including risk discussions about how a cardiovascular event in a tactical athlete could impact teammates’ well-being, community safety, and overall mission success.

Target Provider Population: Clinicians in primary care, sports medicine, cardiology, occupational medicine, and other healthcare professionals involved with the care of the tactical athlete

Intended Users: Athletics/Coaching, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Physician Assistant