Dr Sawalla Guseh, a sports cardiologist at Mass General Brigham and director of fellowship training within the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Centre, joins The News Navigators for a timely conversation about heart health, exercise, and the risks facing athletes and active people of all ages.
Dr. Guseh explains that his work focuses on caring for athletes with heart disease, or those at risk of developing it, from elite competitors to recreational runners, triathletes, and “tactical athletes” such as police, fire and military personnel.
The interview explores why younger athletes can sometimes suffer sudden cardiac arrest, often linked to genetic or structural heart conditions, while older “masters” athletes are more likely to face coronary artery disease, what he memorably describes as problems with the heart’s “plumbing”.
For Bermuda, where sport and outdoor activity are central to community life, his advice is practical and relevant: know your family history, take symptoms seriously, and understand your numbers, including blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood sugar.
He also discusses pre-participation screening, the role of EKGs, the dangers of exercising too soon after viral illness, and why athletes should not fear specialist assessment, since sports cardiology is increasingly focused on distinguishing disease from healthy athletic adaptation.
The conversation also widens into everyday prevention: the importance of movement, sleep, stress management, balanced training, and caution around stimulants and supplements.
Through Dr. Guseh’s expertise, the episode showcases the depth of Mass General Brigham’s cardiovascular care and its ability to combine world-class clinical knowledge with highly personalised guidance for athletes, families, and anyone trying to live a longer, healthier life.
Mass General Brigham sponsored this podcast.
