Sports cardiology at Lehigh Valley Health Network treats athletes with heart problems

It has been 25 years since college basketball great Hank Gathers collapsed on the court and died.

It was a moment that introduced many to the issue of athletes with potentially dangerous heart conditions.

TheLehigh Valley Health Network sports cardiology program evaluates and tests athletes who are experiencing symptoms of heart disease. The program also provides nutritional consultation and training advice for athletes with issues so they can remain active in sports.

Gathers was an All-America basketball player for Loyola Marymount University. He was young, strong and appeared to be in peak physical condition.

But in a conference tournament semifinal game leading up to the NCAA men's basketball tournament, Gathers scored a basket, ran down the court and suddenly dropped to the floor.

Trainers and team physicians unsuccessfully tried to revive him. He was only 23.

Many wondered how a world-class athlete in his prime could die so suddenly. Gathers suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disorder.

In the years since, reports have detailed other cases of college and high school athletes dying suddenly due to heart failure.

While heart problems in young people, particularly athletes, are rare, parents and players should be aware of the symptoms that could lead to a tragic incident, said Dr. Matthew Martinez, the cardiologist who heads the health network's sports cardiology program.

Athletes passing out or getting dizzy when they exercise are indicators something might be wrong. It is not unusual for someone exercising vigorously to be short of breath, but if one's tolerance and energy seem to be declining after continued workouts, instead of improving, that could be a sign to see a doctor.

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Sports cardiology at Lehigh Valley Health Network treats athletes with heart problems