Hearts matter - Cardiology for the competition horse

As an elite athlete, the cardiovascular system of the horse is well adapted to meet the requirements of exercise. However, exercise-induced cardiac remodelling may not always be benign. This presentation will discuss the physiology of the athletic heart and its adaptations to exercise as well as the common ways in which cardiac disease leads to poor performance.

• Overview of cardiac physiology and its relevance in the equine athlete
• Explain how cardiac function can be evaluated using novel techniques
• Describe the common cardiac contributors to poor performance