The AFLETES Study: Atrial Fibrillation in Veteran Athletes and the Risk of Stroke

Pallikadavath, Susil; Richards, Caryl; Bountziouka, Vasiliki; Sandilands, A.J.; Graham-Brown, Matthew; Robinson, Thompson; Singh, Anvesha; McCann, Gerry P

doi:10.1097/jsm.0000000000001115

Cited by 2 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 43 publications

(74 reference statements)

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“… Sport disciplines with the highest risk of tachy- and bradyarrhythmia in athletes [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. AF, atrial fibrillation.…”

Section: Influence Of Sport On Heartmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In patients with an established diagnosis of AF, clinicians should make patients aware of the ambiguous impact of physical exercise, which generally decreases a patient’s cardiovascular risk, but may constitute a trigger of an AF episode. The potential negative impact of intense physical activity has raised concerns not only about the optimal amount of exercise but also about the most suitable clinical management of such patients [ 7 , 17 ].…”

Section: The Paradox: Af and Physical Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Evidence indicates that AF is influenced by factors such as the intensity, duration, and type of exercise or sport [ 18 ]. The well-established dose–response relationship between exercise and AF risk is notable, with athletes diagnosed with AF demonstrating higher weekly training volumes, engaging in longer training sessions, and participating in slightly more sports events per year [ 7 ]. There is an increasing need for studies capable of identifying the most suitable type of sport, as well as determining the optimal and safe regular “dose” of exercise before the risk of developing AF becomes significant [ 19 ].…”

Section: Af Risk Inherent In Sportsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Secondly, exposure to cold water elicits distinct physiological responses. Cold shock provokes sympathetic autonomic-mediated tachycardia, which could make swimmers more prone to developing arrhythmia [ 7 ].…”

Section: Af Risk Inherent In Sportsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When considering appropriate anticoagulation therapy, the CHA2DS2-VASc score may not serve as an optimal risk stratification method for athletes. Although the majority of athletes receive 0 or 1 point and are not typically offered anticoagulation, it is essential to recognize that AF itself is an independent risk factor for stroke [ 7 ]. Additionally, in young women without other risk factors, gender does not contribute to an elevated risk of stroke on the CHA2DS2-VASc score [ 31 ].…”

Section: Specific Aspects Of Af In Athletesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Wide Spectrum of Bradyarrhythmias and Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Sportsmen: Run Forrest, Run?!

Kampka,

Drabczyk,

Piłka

et al. 2024

Rev. Cardiovasc. Med.

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The intricate relationship between sports participation and cardiac arrhythmias is a key focus of cardiovascular research. Physical activity, integral to preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, induces structural, functional, and electrical changes in the heart, potentially triggering arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the cardiovascular benefits, the optimal exercise amount remains unclear, revealing a J-shaped association between AF and exercise. Endurance athletes, particularly males, face elevated AF risks, influenced by age. Risk factors vary among sports modalities, with unique physiological responses in swim training potentially elevating AF risk. Clinical management of AF in athletes necessitates a delicate balance between rhythm control, rate control, and anticoagulation therapy. Sport-induced bradyarrhythmias, including sinus bradycardia and conduction disturbances, are prevalent among athletes. Managing bradycardia in athletes proves challenging due to its complex and not fully understood pathophysiology. Careful consideration is required, particularly in symptomatic cases, where pacemaker implantation may be necessary for sinus node dysfunction. Although pacing is recommended for specific atrioventricular (AV) blocks, milder forms often prevail without restricting sports participation. This review explores the nuanced relationship between exercise and tachy- and bradyarrhythmia in athletes, addressing the challenges clinicians face when optimizing patient care in this distinctive population.

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“… Sport disciplines with the highest risk of tachy- and bradyarrhythmia in athletes [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. AF, atrial fibrillation.…”

Section: Influence Of Sport On Heartmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Paradox: Af and Physical Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%