The prevalence of abnormal ECG in trained sportsmen

Abstract

m e d i c a l j o u r n a l a r m e d f o r c e s i n d i a 7 1 ( 2 0 1 5 ) 3 2 4 -3 2(50%) were involved in a strength-training regimen. Overall 54/66 (81%) sportsmen had significant ECG changes. 68% of these changes were considered as normal training related features, while the remaining 32% were considered abnormal. There were seven common training related ECG changes-Sinus Bradycardia (21%), Sinus Arrhythmia (16%), 1st degree Atrioventricular Heart Block (6%), Type 1 2nd-degree Atrioventicular Heart Block (3%), Incomplete Right bundle branch block (RBBB) (24%), Early Repolarization (42%), Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) (14%); while three abnormal ECG changes-T-wave inversion (13%), RBBB(4%), Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) with strain (29%) were noted. Early repolarization (commonest change), sinus bradycardia, and incomplete RBBB were the commoner features noticed, with a significantly higher presence in the endurance trained athletes.

Differences in Heart Rate, Left Ventricular Wall Mass and Thickness, Diastolic Function, and Cardiac Output Index between Adolescent Athlete and Non-athlete Adolescents

“…Increased levels of testosterone in men during pre-puberty can stimulate an increase in the size of the cardiac myocytes [5], [6]. The present study observed sinus arrhythmia in adolescent athletes and non-athlete adolescents; this is in line with several previous studies reporting that sinus arrhythmia tends to substantially developed in adolescent athletes compared to non-athlete adolescents [7], [8], [9]. This study also observed first-degree atrioventricular block (AV block) in non-athlete adolescents which was not found in the adolescent athlete group.…”

“…This study also observed first-degree atrioventricular block (AV block) in non-athlete adolescents which was not found in the adolescent athlete group. The previous studies have also found a difference in terms of a firstdegree AV block between athlete and non-athlete population [7], [8], [9]. This difference may be due to the fact that electrocardiography is performed only once.…”

“…This study found an incomplete right bundle branch block in the athlete group. Several studies have reported a significantly incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) in adolescent athletes compared to non-athlete adolescents [7], [8], [9]. Cardiovascular adaptation in the form of incomplete RBBB occurs due to an increase in the right ventricular size, which causes a slight delay in conduction in the His-Purkinje system [11], [12].…”

The most common causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes

“…Zmiany charakterystyczne dla serca sportowca zauważalne w spoczynkowym badaniu EKG [13] The most common causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes Nagły zgon sercowy Nagły zgon sercowy (SCD -sudden cardiac death) to śmierć z przyczyny kardiologicznej występująca natychmiast lub maksymalnie w ciągu godziny od pojawienia się objawów u osoby z uprzednio znaną lub nieznaną chorobą serca. Powodem 90% przypadków zgonów jest migotanie komór.…”

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“…4 Because of their sustained exercise, professional divers create adaptations to the underwater environment, include the myocardium, which may be associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. 5 Pathological ECG ndings may offer important clues about structural abnormalities of the heart, e.g., left ventricular hypertrophy, persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO) and the possible causes of sudden death in divers. 6 In Turkey, occupational divers are required to undergo biannual examination conducted by physicians who specialize in underwater medicine.…”