Marin General Hospital Opens State-of-the-Art Cardiovascular Performance Center to Meet the Health Needs of Professional Athletes and Weekend Warriors
Sports cardiology center enables athletes of all ages and levels to remain healthy and active
GREENBRAE, CA — Marin General Hospital today announced the opening of its Cardiovascular Performance Center in Novato, CA. which provides comprehensive sports cardiology care for adults, including college, professional, amateur, masters, recreational and occupational athletes.
“Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, your cardiovascular health has a direct impact on your performance,” said Dr. Brian Keeffe, Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Performance Center. “The goal of sports cardiology is to help athletes of all levels stay healthy and active. As one of a small number of Sports Cardiology Centers nationwide, the Cardiovascular Performance Center is on the leading edge of this emerging specialty.”
The Cardiovascular Performance Center provides a myriad of services including the following:
- Comprehensive cardiovascular screening
- Evaluation of potential cardiovascular symptoms
- Assessment of any unexplained deterioration in performance
- Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, along with advice on ways to limit risk
- Clearance to participate in sports following a cardiovascular event or surgery, or after being diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition
- Comprehensive cardiovascular and physiological testing, including medical history, a physical exam, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiopulmonary exercise testing
- Addressing impaired athletic performance due to previous medical issues
“All cardiologists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system,” said Dr. Keeffe. “Those who specialize in sports cardiology have additional expertise in exercise physiology. They understand the physical demands sports place on the body, especially the heart. What’s more, because sports cardiologists tend to be athletic themselves, they can identify with an athlete’s psychology and competitive spirit. Our clinicians have extensive experience in treating athletes with cardiovascular conditions. They are uniquely qualified to help athletes enhance their fitness and athletic performance, prevent heart disease, and extend their athletic career without compromise.”
Visitors to the Cardiovascular Performance Center begin by taking a detailed medical history and performing tests to arrive at a detailed cardiovascular assessment. The assessment evaluates their cardiovascular health and generates performance data that can be used to analyze their athletic performance and determine whether they are ready to return to their previous level of activity. The Center then creates a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s goals, sport, and heart health. While the Center always strives to help athletes meet their goals, their top priority remains the athlete’s cardiovascular health and safety.
For more information on the Cardiovascular Performance Center or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-415-306-3694 or visit our cardiovascular performance center page.
Brian G. Keeffe, MD, FACC
Medical Director of Marin General Hospital’s Cardiovascular Performance Center
Board-certified in Cardiology, Dr. Brian Keeffe has been practicing cardiovascular medicine in Marin County since 2004. As a cyclist and runner, his fascination with cardiovascular physiology is both personal and professional. Dr. Keeffe is a strong believer in using diet and exercise to optimize cardiovascular health, a philosophy he imparts to his patients at the Cardiovascular Center of Marin.
He also has special clinical interests in sports cardiology, preventive cardiology, cardiac CT imaging, and the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Dr. Keeffe attended medical school at Georgetown University School of Medicine and did both his internship and residency at Stanford University Medical Center. He then completed a cardiology fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Keeffe is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology. He has been a Marin Magazine "Top Doctor” for three years in a row.
About Marin General Hospital
Marin General Hospital has been meeting the community’s health care needs since 1952. Many Marin County residents choose to live here because they appreciate the healthy lifestyle and transformative natural environment. In keeping with the values and needs of the community, Marin General Hospital is dedicated to treating the whole patient, mind, body and soul. Their mission is to provide the people of Marin with the healing care they want and deserve.
Marin General Hospital offers advanced medical expertise, technology, and treatments in an exceptionally healing environment. It also gives patients the opportunity to complement their medical treatment with integrative therapies at our Center for Integrative Health and Wellness. Together, Marin General Hospital care teams deliver award-winning services that are recognized by patients and their families, as well as by independent organizations who rank the hospital among the best. For more information, please visit our about us page.
