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Al-Othman S, Boyett MR, Morris GM, Malhotra A, Mesirca P, Mangoni ME, D'Souza A. Symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in the athlete-Underlying mechanisms and treatments. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:1415-1427. [PMID: 38428449 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Bradyarrhythmias including sinus bradycardia and atrioventricular (AV) block are frequently encountered in endurance athletes especially at night. While these are well tolerated by the young athlete, there is evidence that generally from the fifth decade of life onward, such arrhythmias can degenerate into pathological symptomatic bradycardia requiring pacemaker therapy. For many years, athletic bradycardia and AV block have been attributed to high vagal tone, but work from our group has questioned this widely held assumption and demonstrated a role for intrinsic electrophysiological remodeling of the sinus node and the AV node. In this article, we argue that bradyarrhythmias in the veteran athlete arise from the cumulative effects of exercise training, the circadian rhythm and aging on the electrical activity of the nodes. We consider contemporary strategies for the treatment of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in athletes and highlight potential therapies resulting from our evolving mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Al-Othman
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Boyett
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom.
| | - Gwilym M Morris
- Cardiology Department, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Mesirca
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Laboratory of Excellence "Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics" (ICST), Montpellier, France
| | - Matteo E Mangoni
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Laboratory of Excellence "Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics" (ICST), Montpellier, France
| | - Alicia D'Souza
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lampert R, Chung EH, Ackerman MJ, Arroyo AR, Darden D, Deo R, Dolan J, Etheridge SP, Gray BR, Harmon KG, James CA, Kim JH, Krahn AD, La Gerche A, Link MS, MacIntyre C, Mont L, Salerno JC, Shah MJ. 2024 HRS expert consensus statement on arrhythmias in the athlete: Evaluation, treatment, and return to play. Heart Rhythm 2024:S1547-5271(24)02560-8. [PMID: 38763377 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Youth and adult participation in sports continues to increase, and athletes may be diagnosed with potentially arrhythmogenic cardiac conditions. This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide electrophysiologists, sports cardiologists, and associated health care team members in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of arrhythmic conditions in the athlete with the goal of facilitating return to sport and avoiding the harm caused by restriction. Expert, disease-specific risk assessment in the context of athlete symptoms and diagnoses is emphasized throughout the document. After appropriate risk assessment, management of arrhythmias geared toward return to play when possible is addressed. Other topics include shared decision-making and emergency action planning. The goal of this document is to provide evidence-based recommendations impacting all areas in the care of athletes with arrhythmic conditions. Areas in need of further study are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lampert
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Rajat Deo
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joe Dolan
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Belinda R Gray
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Andrew D Krahn
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark S Link
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Lluis Mont
- Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jack C Salerno
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Maully J Shah
- Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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3
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Bondarev S, Achkasov E, Zorzi A, Safaryan A, Graziano F, Sizov A. Intrinsic Sinus Node/Atrioventricular Node Dysfunction Requiring Pacemaker Implantation: Role of Former Professional Sport Activity. J Clin Med 2023; 13:203. [PMID: 38202210 PMCID: PMC10779911 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sinus bradycardia and first degree or second degree Mobitz type I atrioventricular (AV) block in an athlete are considered adaptive and reversible phenomena; however, some evidence suggests that they may persist after detraining and become pathological. The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of a group of former professional athletes who required pacemaker (PM) implantation for intrinsic (idiopathic) sinus node (SN) dysfunction or AV block in comparison to control groups of sedentary individuals. METHODS We included all patients who underwent PM implantation during 2022. Three groups were compared: group 1 including 18 former professional athletes who received a PM for SN dysfunction/AV block in the absence of heart disease; group 2 including the first 20 sedentary individuals without heart disease who underwent PM implantation; and group 3 including all other 323 patients who received PM, the majority with underlying heart diseases. RESULTS Compared to the non-athlete control group 2, the mean age at diagnosis and at the time of PM implantation of former professional athletes did not show statistically significant differences. However, subgroup analysis revealed significant differences depending on the type of sports discipline: the age at diagnosis and at PM implantation was significantly lower in former endurance athletes than former strength/mixed athletes, control non-athletes, and all other patients. Moreover, former endurance professional athletes exhibited a higher prevalence of second or third degree AV block (78%) as the reason for PM implantation compared to power/mixed athletes (44%). The other clinical characteristics, including echocardiographic parameters, did not differ between former athletes and non-athletes. CONCLUSIONS Former professional endurance athletes with idiopathic SN dysfunction/AV block manifested the disease earlier in the life course compared to former power/mixed athletes and non-athletes. This suggests that bradycardia/AV block caused by intense and prolonged endurance sports may not always be benign and adaptive phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Bondarev
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.)
| | - Evgeny Achkasov
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.)
| | - Alexandr Safaryan
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Francesca Graziano
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.)
| | - Alexey Sizov
- Cardiology Department, St. Alexius Hospital, 119071 Moscow, Russia
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Epstein R, Liberman L, Silver ES. Long-Term Follow-Up of Second-Degree Heart Block in Children. Pediatr Cardiol 2023; 44:1529-1535. [PMID: 37658175 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the outcomes of children with second-degree heart block. We aimed to determine whether children with structurally normal hearts and Mobitz 1, 2:1 block or Mobitz 2 are at increased risk for progressing to complete heart block (CHB) or requiring a pacemaker (PM) at long-term follow-up. We searched our institutional electrophysiology database for children with potentially concerning second-degree block on ambulatory rhythm monitoring between 2009 and 2021, defined as frequent episodes of Mobitz 1 or 2:1 block, episodes of Mobitz 1 or 2:1 block with additional evidence of conduction disease (i.e. first-degree heart block, bundle branch block), or episodes of Mobitz 2. Ambulatory rhythm monitor, ECG, and demographic data were reviewed. The primary composite outcome was CHB on follow-up rhythm monitor or PM placement. 20 patients were in the final analysis. Six (30%) patients either developed CHB but do not have a PM (4 = 20%) or have a PM (2 = 10%). Median follow-up was 5.8 years (IQR 4.4-7.0). Patients with CHB or PM were more likely to have second-degree block at maximum sinus rate (67% vs. 0%, p = 0.003), a below normal average heart rate (67% vs. 14%, p = 0.04), and 2:1 block on initial ECG (50% vs. 0%, p = 0.02). In this study of children with potentially concerning second-degree block, 30% of patients progressed to CHB or required a PM. Second-degree block at maximum sinus rate, a low average heart, and 2:1 block on initial ECG were associated with increased risk of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Epstein
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 3959 Broadway, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Leonardo Liberman
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 3959 Broadway, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Eric S Silver
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 3959 Broadway, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Kayacan Y, Makaracı Y, Ucar C, Amonette WE, Yıldız S. Heart Rate Variability and Cortisol Levels Before and After a Brief Anaerobic Exercise in Handball Players. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:1479-1485. [PMID: 36727970 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Kayacan, Y, Makaracı, Y, Ucar, C, Amonette, WE, and Yıldız, S. Heart rate variability and cortisol levels before and after a brief anaerobic exercise in handball players. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1479-1485, 2023-Evaluating stress in athletes is important for monitoring overall physiologic load and is a core practice for sport performance teams. This study examined relationships between 2 metrics of training stress, heart rate variability (HRV) and cortisol, before and after intense anaerobic power testing. Electrocardiogram recordings and saliva samples were collected before and immediately after a Wingate anaerobic power test (WAnT-30) from professional handball players ( n = 20) and sedentary controls ( n = 18). Between-group differences and correlations were computed to assess study hypotheses. No differences were observed in HRV frequency-dependent parameters between groups, but in athletes, Min. R-R ( p < 0.01) and Avg.R-R ( p = 0.03) before WAnT-30 and the percentage of successive normal cardiac beat intervals greater than 50 milliseconds (i.e., pNN50; p = 0.03) after WAnT-30 were elevated. A high positive correlation was detected between the pretest and post-test cortisol levels in athletes ( p = 0.0001; r = 0.87) but not in sedentary individuals. No correlations were observed between the cortisol levels and WAnT-30 power parameters in either group. Relationships were evident in the standard deviation of RR intervals ( p = 0.02, r = -0.53), square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR intervals ( p = 0.043, r = -0.46), very low frequency ( p = 0.032; r = -0.480), high-frequency ( p = 0.02; r = -0.52) variables, and pretesting cortisol in athletes. These findings suggest that HRV analysis is a valuable tool for examining cardiovascular regulation, independent of cortisol; the data may provide valuable information for performance teams in evaluating acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yıldırım Kayacan
- Yasar Dogu Faculty of Sports Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Yücel Makaracı
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
| | - Cihat Ucar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey
| | - William E Amonette
- Health and Human Performance Institute, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Sedat Yıldız
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Inönü University, Malatya, Turkey
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Aymen Mohamed BA, Anis G, Ahmed FR, Zied BA, Hatem B, Mahdhaoui A, Samia EH. [Correlation between changes in electrocardiographic and echocardiographic measurements and the nature of the sport practiced]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 2023; 72:101580. [PMID: 36872127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ancard.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Intense and regular sports practice leads to electrical and morphological cardiac remodeling. The aim of this study was to investigate a correlation between electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes and the nature of the sport practiced. METHODS Retrospective study of the electrocardiogram and echocardiography of competitive athletes recruited in the medical-sports center of Sousse RESULTS: A total of 554 athletes were included. The mean age was 16.1 ± 2.9 years and 69% were male. The average training time was 5.8 hours per week. In the population, 319 (57.6%) subjects practiced an endurance sport vs. 235 (42.4%) subjects who practiced a resistance sport. Sinus bradycardia was noted in 70 (21.9%) endurance athletes vs. 30 (12.8%) resistance athletes (p = 0.005). Long PR interval was recorded in 12 endurance athletes vs. 3 cases among resistance athletes (p = 0.046). A right bundle branch bloc was reported more frequently among endurance athletes: 55 (17.2%) vs. 22 (9.4%); (p = 0.004). The mean value of the Sokolow-Lyon index was 31.51 ± 10.34 mm in endurance athletes vs. 29.72 ± 9.41 mm in resistance athletes (p = 0.037). Systolic ejection fraction was significantly lower in endurance athletes compared to resistance athletes (66.08 ± 4.73% vs. 68.1 ± 4.90%; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that electrical abnormalities in athletes, considered physiological, are more frequent among endurance athletes. Therefore, sport-specific criteria need to be developed for a more appropriate approach to screening for electrical abnormalities in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghariani Anis
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospital-universitaire Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie.
| | - Fekih Romdhane Ahmed
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospital-universitaire Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Ben Ameur Zied
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospital-universitaire Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Bouraoui Hatem
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospital-universitaire Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Abdelah Mahdhaoui
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospital-universitaire Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie; Université de Sousse, Laboratoire de recherche : LR14ES05 : Interaction du système cardio-pulmonaire, Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Tunisie
| | - Ernez-Hajri Samia
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospital-universitaire Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie; Hôpital Farhat Hached de Sousse, Laboratoire de recherche : LRSP09 : Insuffisance cardiaque, Tunisie
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Abstract
The global prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased substantially over the past three decades and is currently approximately 60 million cases. Incident AF and its clinical consequences are largely the result of risk factors that can be modified by lifestyle changes. In this Review, we provide evidence that the lifetime risk of AF is modified not only by sex and race but also through the clinical risk factor and comorbidity burden of individual patients. We begin by summarizing the epidemiology of AF, focusing on non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, as well as targets and strategies for the primary prevention of AF. Furthermore, we evaluate the role of modifiable risk factors in the secondary prevention of AF as well as the potential effects of risk factor interventions on the frequency and severity of subsequent AF episodes. We end the Review by proposing strategies that require evaluation as well as global policy changes that are needed for the prevention of incident AF and the management of recurrent episodes in patients already affected by AF.
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Graziano F, Juhasz V, Brunetti G, Cipriani A, Szabo L, Merkely B, Corrado D, D’Ascenzi F, Vago H, Zorzi A. May Strenuous Endurance Sports Activity Damage the Cardiovascular System of Healthy Athletes? A Narrative Review. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9100347. [PMID: 36286299 PMCID: PMC9604467 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive effects of physical activity are countless, not only on the cardiovascular system but on health in general. However, some studies suggest a U-shape relationship between exercise volume and effects on the cardiovascular system. On the basis of this perspective, moderate-dose exercise would be beneficial compared to a sedentary lifestyle, while very high-dose physical activity would paradoxically be detrimental. We reviewed the available evidence on the potential adverse effects of very intense, prolonged exercise on the cardiovascular system, both acute and chronic, in healthy athletes without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. We found that endurance sports activities may cause reversible electrocardiographic changes, ventricular dysfunction, and troponin elevation with complete recovery within a few days. The theory that repeated bouts of acute stress on the heart may lead to chronic myocardial damage remains to be demonstrated. However, male veteran athletes with a long sports career show an increased prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities such as electrical conduction delay, atrial fibrillation, myocardial fibrosis, and coronary calcifications compared to non-athletes. It must be underlined that the cause-effect relationship between such abnormalities and the exercise and, most importantly, the prognostic relevance of such findings remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Graziano
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Vencel Juhasz
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Giulia Brunetti
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Liliana Szabo
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, Gaal Jozsef Str. 9-11, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Flavio D’Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Hajnalka Vago
- Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Hataror Rd. 18, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, Gaal Jozsef Str. 9-11, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8212322
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Rao P, Belanger MJ, Robbins JM. Exercise, Physical Activity, and Cardiometabolic Health: Insights into the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiometabolic Diseases. Cardiol Rev 2022; 30:167-178. [PMID: 34560712 PMCID: PMC8920940 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) and exercise are widely recognized as essential components of primary and secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention efforts and are emphasized in the health promotion guidelines of numerous professional societies and committees. The protean benefits of PA and exercise extend across the spectrum of CVD, and include the improvement and reduction of risk factors and events for atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), cardiometabolic disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (AF), respectively. Here, we highlight recent insights into the salutary effects of PA and exercise on the primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD, including their beneficial effects on both traditional and nontraditional risk mediators; exercise "prescriptions" for ASCVD; the role of PA regular exercise in the prevention and treatment of heart failure; and the relationships between, PA, exercise, and AF. While our understanding of the relationship between exercise and CVD has evolved considerably, several key questions remain including the association between extreme volumes of exercise and subclinical ASCVD and its risk; high-intensity exercise and resistance (strength) training as complementary modalities to continuous aerobic exercise; and dose- and intensity-dependent associations between exercise and AF. Recent advances in molecular profiling technologies (ie, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) have begun to shed light on interindividual variation in cardiometabolic responses to PA and exercise and may provide new opportunities for clinical prediction in addition to mechanistic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Rao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jeremy M. Robbins
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Abela M, Bonello J, Sammut MA. A case report of profound atrioventricular block in an endurance athlete: how far do you go? Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022; 6:ytac190. [PMID: 35611167 PMCID: PMC9122639 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Athletes presenting with 1st-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) may present a diagnostic conundrum, especially when significantly prolonged and associated with higher degrees of block. A pragmatic stepwise approach to the evaluation of these patients is, therefore, crucial. Case summary A 19-year-old waterpolo player was referred for assessment of a 1st-degree heart block and one isolated episode of syncope. All other cardiac investigations were within normal limits except for a 24-h ambulatory ECG which showed Mobitz 1 AVB and episodes of 2:1 block occurring in the context of Wenchebach. An electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed which effectively excluded infranodal conductive tissue disease, confirming physiological intranodal block. Discussion The increase in vagal tone is one of the physiological adaptations to an increased demand in cardiac output in athletes, which explains the presence of 1st-degree AVB in up to 7.5% of athletes. The presence of 2:1 AVB on 24 h ECG raises doubts whether the 1st-degree AVB on resting ECG is pathological or physiological, especially considering this particular patient had suffered an episode of syncope. When this diagnostic uncertainty persists despite non-invasive investigations, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing, invasive EPS may be required to assess the refractoriness of the AV node and at what level within the cardiac conductive system block occurs. The electrophysiological study can effectively rule out infranodal disease by confirming physiological intranodal block using incremental atrial pacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abela
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - John Bonello
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Nissen SD, Weis R, Krag-Andersen EK, Hesselkilde EM, Isaksen JL, Carstensen H, Kanters JK, Linz D, Sanders P, Hopster-Iversen C, Jespersen T, Pehrson S, Buhl R. Electrocardiographic characteristics of trained and untrained standardbred racehorses. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1119-1130. [PMID: 35488721 PMCID: PMC9151491 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long‐term exercise induces cardiac remodeling that potentially influences the electrical properties of the heart. Hypothesis/objectives We assessed whether training alters cardiac conduction in Standardbred racehorses. Animals Two hundred one trained and 52 untrained Standardbred horses. Methods Cross‐sectional study. Resting ECG recordings were analyzed to assess heart rate (HR) along with standard ECG parameters and for identification of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. An electrophysiological study was performed in 13 horses assessing the effect of training on sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodal function by sinus node recovery time (SNRT) and His signal recordings. Age and sex adjustments were implemented in multiple and logistic regression models for comparison. Results Resting HR in beats per minute (bpm) was lower in trained vs untrained horses (mean, 30.8 ± 2.6 bpm vs 32.9 ± 4.2 bpm; P = .001). Trained horses more often displayed second‐degree atrioventricular block (2AVB; odds ratio, 2.59; P = .04). No difference in SNRT was found between groups (n = 13). Mean P‐A, A‐H, and H‐V intervals were 71 ± 20, 209 ± 41, and 134 ± 41 ms, respectively (n = 7). We did not detect a training effect on AV‐nodal conduction intervals. His signals were present in 1 horse during 2AVB with varying H‐V interval preceding a blocked beat. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We identified decreased HR and increased frequency of 2AVB in trained horses. In 5 of 7 horses, His signal recordings had variable H‐V intervals within each individual horse, providing novel insight into AV conduction in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Nissen
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Weis
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth K Krag-Andersen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Eva M Hesselkilde
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas L Isaksen
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helena Carstensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Jørgen K Kanters
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dominik Linz
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte Hopster-Iversen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Thomas Jespersen
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Pehrson
- Department of Cardiology 2142, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Rikke Buhl
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
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Heidbuchel H, Adami PE, Antz M, Braunschweig F, Delise P, Scherr D, Solberg EE, Wilhelm M, Pelliccia A. Recommendations for participation in leisure-time physical activity and competitive sports in patients with arrhythmias and potentially arrhythmogenic conditions: Part 1: Supraventricular arrhythmias. A position statement of the Section of Sports Cardiology and Exercise from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), both associations of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021; 28:1539-1551. [PMID: 32597206 DOI: 10.1177/2047487320925635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Symptoms attributable to arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Cardiologists and sport physicians are required to identify high-risk individuals harbouring such conditions and provide appropriate advice regarding participation in regular exercise programmes and competitive sport. The three aspects that need to be considered are: (a) the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias by participating in sports; (b) control of symptoms due to arrhythmias that are not life-threatening but may hamper performance and/or reduce the quality of life; and (c) the impact of sports on the natural progression of the underlying arrhythmogenic condition. In many cases, there is no unequivocal answer to each aspect and therefore an open discussion with the athlete is necessary, in order to reach a balanced decision. In 2006 the Sports Cardiology and Exercise Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology published recommendations for participation in leisure-time physical activity and competitive sport in individuals with arrhythmias and potentially arrhythmogenic conditions. More than a decade on, these recommendations are partly obsolete given the evolving knowledge of the diagnosis, management and treatment of these conditions. The present document presents a combined effort by the Sports Cardiology and Exercise Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association to offer a comprehensive overview of the most updated recommendations for practising cardiologists and sport physicians managing athletes with supraventricular arrhythmias, and provides pragmatic advice for safe participation in recreational physical activities, as well as competitive sport at amateur and professional level. A companion text on recommendations in athletes with ventricular arrhythmias, inherited arrhythmogenic conditions, pacemakers and implantable defibrillators is published as Part 2 in Europace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paolo E Adami
- Italian National Olympic Committee, Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Italy
| | - Matthias Antz
- Department of Electrophysiology, Hospital Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniel Scherr
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Antonio Pelliccia
- Italian National Olympic Committee, Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Italy
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Potential Long-Term Health Problems Associated with Ultra-Endurance Running: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2021; 52:725-740. [PMID: 34542868 PMCID: PMC8450723 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that physical activity reduces all-cause mortality and can prolong life. Ultra-endurance running (UER) is an extreme sport that is becoming increasingly popular, and comprises running races above marathon distance, exceeding 6 h, and/or running fixed distances on multiple days. Serious acute adverse events are rare, but there is mounting evidence that UER may lead to long-term health problems. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the potential long-term health problems derived from UER, specifically potential maladaptation in key organ systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, renal, immunological, gastrointestinal, neurological, and integumentary systems. Special consideration is given to youth, masters, and female athletes, all of whom may be more susceptible to certain long-term health issues. We present directions for future research into the pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin athlete susceptibility to long-term issues. Although all body systems can be affected by UER, one of the clearest effects of endurance exercise is on the cardiovascular system, including right ventricular dysfunction and potential increased risk of arrhythmias and hypertension. There is also evidence that rare cases of acute renal injury in UER could lead to progressive renal scarring and chronic kidney disease. There are limited data specific to female athletes, who may be at greater risk of certain UER-related health issues due to interactions between energy availability and sex-hormone concentrations. Indeed, failure to consider sex differences in the design of female-specific UER training programs may have a negative impact on athlete longevity. It is hoped that this review will inform risk stratification and stimulate further research about UER and the implications for long-term health.
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Diaz-Gonzalez L, Bruña V, Valenzuela PL, Velásquez-Rodriguez J, Boraita A, Lucia A, Martinez-Sellés M. Sinus bradycardia in paediatric athletes. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021; 28:1142-1144. [PMID: 32517502 DOI: 10.1177/2047487320932254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanesa Bruña
- Cardiology Department, University General Hospital Gregorio Marañon, Spain
| | | | | | - Araceli Boraita
- Department of Cardiology, Spanish Sports Health Protection Agency, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Spain
- Research Institute, Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Spain
| | - Manuel Martinez-Sellés
- Cardiology Department, University General Hospital Gregorio Marañon, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Biomedics Sciences, Spain
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Chatzidou S, Kontogiannis C, Georgiopoulos G, Kosmopoulos M, Pateras K, Spartalis M, Stamatelopoulos K, Rokas S. Wenckebach cycle length: A novel predictor for AV block in AVNRT patients treated with ablation. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2021; 44:1497-1503. [PMID: 34287980 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency catheter ablation remains the most effective management option for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). The risk of atrioventricular (AV) block requiring permanent pacemaker is substantial, but, currently, a reliable method to predict this complication is lacking. METHODS The electrophysiologic studies (EPS) and baseline characteristics of patients who underwent catheter ablation for the treatment of AVNRT were retrospectively analyzed to investigate predisposing factors for AV block after treatment. Patients were followed for AV block at one month and one year after hospital discharge. RESULTS Among 784 patients treated with catheter ablation for AVNRT between 1999 to 2019, 15 developed AV block. Patients with AV block were older (p = .001). Among the recorded EPS parameters, patients with AV block had significantly higher Atrial His interval (120 vs. 110 ms, p = .049), Wenckebach cycle length (WCL) (400 vs. 353 ms, p < .001) and tachycardia CL (400 vs. 387 ms, P = .01) during the ablation compared to their peers without AV block. Additionally, only WCL (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.02-1.19, p = .017) remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, ERP, AH interval, and HR. This association was confirmed by comparing patients with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) AV block using propensity score-matching. A WCL≥400ms was associated with a 4-fold higher incidence of AV block (4.79% vs. 1.25%). CONCLUSION Increased pre-procedural WCL was associated with a high risk for AV block after catheter ablation treatment for AVNRT. These findings suggest that this readily available EPS-derived parameter may be a novel marker of risk for severe complications in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Chatzidou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Christos Kontogiannis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | | | - Konstantinos Pateras
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Stelios Rokas
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, "Alexandra" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
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Regulation of sinus node pacemaking and atrioventricular node conduction by HCN channels in health and disease. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 166:61-85. [PMID: 34197836 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The funny current, If, was first recorded in the heart 40 or more years ago by Dario DiFrancesco and others. Since then, we have learnt that If plays an important role in pacemaking in the sinus node, the innate pacemaker of the heart, and more recently evidence has accumulated to show that If may play an important role in action potential conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Evidence has also accumulated to show that regulation of the transcription and translation of the underlying Hcn genes plays an important role in the regulation of sinus node pacemaking and AV node conduction under normal physiological conditions - in athletes, during the circadian rhythm, in pregnancy, and during postnatal development - as well as pathological states - ageing, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. There may be yet more pathological conditions involving changes in the expression of the Hcn genes. Here, we review the role of If and the underlying HCN channels in physiological and pathological changes of the sinus and AV nodes and we begin to explore the signalling pathways (microRNAs, transcription factors, GIRK4, the autonomic nervous system and inflammation) involved in this regulation. This review is dedicated to Dario DiFrancesco on his retirement.
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Mesirca P, Nakao S, Nissen SD, Forte G, Anderson C, Trussell T, Li J, Cox C, Zi M, Logantha S, Yaar S, Cartensen H, Bidaud I, Stuart L, Soattin L, Morris GM, da Costa Martins PA, Cartwright EJ, Oceandy D, Mangoni ME, Jespersen T, Buhl R, Dobrzynski H, Boyett MR, D'Souza A. Intrinsic Electrical Remodeling Underlies Atrioventricular Block in Athletes. Circ Res 2021; 129:e1-e20. [PMID: 33849278 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.316386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Mesirca
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France (P.M., I.B., M.E.M.)
| | - Shu Nakao
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Japan (S.N.)
| | - Sarah Dalgas Nissen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (S.D.N., H.C., R.B.), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabriella Forte
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Cali Anderson
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Tariq Trussell
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Jue Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Charlotte Cox
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Min Zi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Sunil Logantha
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (S.L.)
| | - Sana Yaar
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Helena Cartensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (S.D.N., H.C., R.B.), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Isabelle Bidaud
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France (P.M., I.B., M.E.M.)
| | - Luke Stuart
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | | | - Gwilym M Morris
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | | | - Elizabeth J Cartwright
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Delvac Oceandy
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
| | - Matteo E Mangoni
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France (P.M., I.B., M.E.M.)
| | - Thomas Jespersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (T.J., M.R.B.), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Buhl
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (S.D.N., H.C., R.B.), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Halina Dobrzynski
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland (H.D.)
| | - Mark R Boyett
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (T.J., M.R.B.), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alicia D'Souza
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom (S.N., G.F., C.A., T.T., J.L., C.C., M.Z., S.L., S.Y., L. Stuart, L. Soattin, G.M.M., E.J.C., D.O., H.D., M.R.B., A.D.)
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Cardiac Biomarkers and Autoantibodies in Endurance Athletes: Potential Similarities with Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Pathogenic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126500. [PMID: 34204386 PMCID: PMC8235133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The “Extreme Exercise Hypothesis” states that when individuals perform training beyond the ideal exercise dose, a decline in the beneficial effects of physical activity occurs. This is due to significant changes in myocardial structure and function, such as hemodynamic alterations, cardiac chamber enlargement and hypertrophy, myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and conduction changes. In addition, an increased amount of circulating biomarkers of exercise-induced damage has been reported. Although these changes are often reversible, long-lasting cardiac damage may develop after years of intense physical exercise. Since several features of the athlete’s heart overlap with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), the syndrome of “exercise-induced ACM” has been postulated. Thus, the distinction between ACM and the athlete’s heart may be challenging. Recently, an autoimmune mechanism has been discovered in ACM patients linked to their characteristic junctional impairment. Since cardiac junctions are similarly impaired by intense physical activity due to the strong myocardial stretching, we propose in the present work the novel hypothesis of an autoimmune response in endurance athletes. This investigation may deepen the knowledge about the pathological remodeling and relative activated mechanisms induced by intense endurance exercise, potentially improving the early recognition of whom is actually at risk.
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Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, Arbelo E, Bax JJ, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Boriani G, Castella M, Dan GA, Dilaveris PE, Fauchier L, Filippatos G, Kalman JM, Meir ML, Lane DA, Lebeau JP, Lettino M, Lip GY, Pinto FJ, Neil Thomas G, Valgimigli M, Van Gelder IC, Van Putte BP, Watkins CL. Guía ESC 2020 sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular, desarrollada en colaboración de la European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Rev Esp Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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20
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Oláh A, Barta BA, Sayour AA, Ruppert M, Virág-Tulassay E, Novák J, Varga ZV, Ferdinandy P, Merkely B, Radovits T. Balanced Intense Exercise Training Induces Atrial Oxidative Stress Counterbalanced by the Antioxidant System and Atrial Hypertrophy That Is Not Associated with Pathological Remodeling or Arrhythmogenicity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030452. [PMID: 33803975 PMCID: PMC7999710 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although regular exercise training is associated with cardiovascular benefits, the increased risk of atrial arrhythmias has been observed after vigorous exercise and has been related to oxidative stress. We aimed at investigating exercise-induced atrial remodeling in a rat model of an athlete’s heart and determining sex-specific differences. Age-matched young adult rats were divided into female exercised, female control, male exercised, and male control groups. After exercised animals completed a 12-week-long swim training protocol, echocardiography and in vivo cardiac electrophysiologic investigation were performed. Additionally, atrial histological and gene expression analyses were carried out. Post-mortem atrial weight data and histological examination confirmed marked atrial hypertrophy. We found increased atrial gene expression of antioxidant enzymes along with increased nitro-oxidative stress. No gene expression alteration was found regarding markers of pathological remodeling, apoptotic, proinflammatoric, and profibrotic processes. Exercise training was associated with a prolonged right atrial effective refractory period. We could not induce arrhythmias by programmed stimulation in any groups. We found decreased expression of potassium channels. Female gender was associated with lower profibrotic expression and collagen density. Long-term, balanced exercise training-induced atrial hypertrophy is not associated with harmful electrical remodeling, and no inflammatory or profibrotic response was observed in the atrium of exercised rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-458-6810; Fax: +36-1-458-6842
| | - Bálint András Barta
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Alex Ali Sayour
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Mihály Ruppert
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Eszter Virág-Tulassay
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Julianna Novák
- HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (J.N.); (Z.V.V.)
| | - Zoltán V. Varga
- HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (J.N.); (Z.V.V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary;
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
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Sokunbi OJ, Okoromah CAN, Ekure EN, Olawale OA, Eke WS. Electrocardiographic pattern of apparently healthy African adolescent athletes in Nigeria. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:97. [PMID: 33632178 PMCID: PMC7905616 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strategies to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young athletes have become topical worldwide and unrecognized cardiac pathology has been identified as a leading cause. Black ethnicity has been reported as an independent predictor of abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) findings among athletes and the frequency and significance of training-related ECG findings versus findings suggestive of an underlying pathology in the young African athletes is crucial. Methods This cross sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of ECG patterns in young athletes and controls. A total of 360 participants (180 athletes and 180 controls) were recruited from six secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria between November 2014 and July 2015. Evaluation included interviewer-administered questionnaires for relevant history, physical examination and resting 12 - lead ECG for each participant. Results Abnormal ECG patterns were found in 48.3% of athletes and 35.6% of controls. Training-related ECG findings occurred in 33.3% of athletes and 18.3% of controls. Athletes and controls had 7.7% prevalence of training un-related ECG patterns respectively. Left ventricular hypertrophy was the most common ECG finding among the athletes and male athletes had a higher prevalence of ECG abnormalities compared to females. Conclusion Adolescent athletes in Nigeria have a high prevalence of training-related ECG patterns and athletes and non-athletes alike have similar proportions of ECG findings suggestive of underlying structural heart disease. Cardiovascular evaluation including ECG should be performed for young athletes prior to competition at any level and should also be considered as part of pre-school entry assessment for all children. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02557-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu J Sokunbi
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos / Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Christy A N Okoromah
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos / Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ekanem N Ekure
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos / Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olajide A Olawale
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos / Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Wuraola S Eke
- Department of Nursing Services, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
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Bidaud I, D'Souza A, Forte G, Torre E, Greuet D, Thirard S, Anderson C, Chung You Chong A, Torrente AG, Roussel J, Wickman K, Boyett MR, Mangoni ME, Mesirca P. Genetic Ablation of G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying K + Channels Prevents Training-Induced Sinus Bradycardia. Front Physiol 2021; 11:519382. [PMID: 33551824 PMCID: PMC7857143 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.519382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endurance athletes are prone to bradyarrhythmias, which in the long-term may underscore the increased incidence of pacemaker implantation reported in this population. Our previous work in rodent models has shown training-induced sinus bradycardia to be due to microRNA (miR)-mediated transcriptional remodeling of the HCN4 channel, leading to a reduction of the "funny" (I f) current in the sinoatrial node (SAN). Objective: To test if genetic ablation of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel, also known as I KACh channels prevents sinus bradycardia induced by intensive exercise training in mice. Methods: Control wild-type (WT) and mice lacking GIRK4 (Girk4 -/-), an integral subunit of I KACh were assigned to trained or sedentary groups. Mice in the trained group underwent 1-h exercise swimming twice a day for 28 days, 7 days per week. We performed electrocardiogram recordings and echocardiography in both groups at baseline, during and after the training period. At training cessation, mice were euthanized and SAN tissues were isolated for patch clamp recordings in isolated SAN cells and molecular profiling by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blotting. Results: At swimming cessation trained WT mice presented with a significantly lower resting HR that was reversible by acute I KACh block whereas Girk4 -/- mice failed to develop a training-induced sinus bradycardia. In line with HR reduction, action potential rate, density of I f, as well as of T- and L-type Ca2+ currents (I CaT and I CaL ) were significantly reduced only in SAN cells obtained from WT-trained mice. I f reduction in WT mice was concomitant with downregulation of HCN4 transcript and protein, attributable to increased expression of corresponding repressor microRNAs (miRs) whereas reduced I CaL in WT mice was associated with reduced Cav1.3 protein levels. Strikingly, I KACh ablation suppressed all training-induced molecular remodeling observed in WT mice. Conclusion: Genetic ablation of cardiac I KACh in mice prevents exercise-induced sinus bradycardia by suppressing training induced remodeling of inward currents I f, I CaT and I CaL due in part to the prevention of miR-mediated transcriptional remodeling of HCN4 and likely post transcriptional remodeling of Cav1.3. Strategies targeting cardiac I KACh may therefore represent an alternative to pacemaker implantation for bradyarrhythmias seen in some veteran athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Bidaud
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
| | - Alicia D'Souza
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriella Forte
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Torre
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
| | - Denis Greuet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Steeve Thirard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Cali Anderson
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Antony Chung You Chong
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
| | - Angelo G Torrente
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Roussel
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mark R Boyett
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matteo E Mangoni
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
| | - Pietro Mesirca
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
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23
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Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, Arbelo E, Bax JJ, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Boriani G, Castella M, Dan GA, Dilaveris PE, Fauchier L, Filippatos G, Kalman JM, La Meir M, Lane DA, Lebeau JP, Lettino M, Lip GYH, Pinto FJ, Thomas GN, Valgimigli M, Van Gelder IC, Van Putte BP, Watkins CL. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:373-498. [PMID: 32860505 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5394] [Impact Index Per Article: 1798.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Mesirca P, Fedorov VV, Hund TJ, Torrente AG, Bidaud I, Mohler PJ, Mangoni ME. Pharmacologic Approach to Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 61:757-778. [PMID: 33017571 PMCID: PMC7790915 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031120-115815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The spontaneous activity of the sinoatrial node initiates the heartbeat. Sino-atrial node dysfunction (SND) and sick sinoatrial (sick sinus) syndrome are caused by the heart's inability to generate a normal sinoatrial node action potential. In clinical practice, SND is generally considered an age-related pathology, secondary to degenerative fibrosis of the heart pacemaker tissue. However, other forms of SND exist, including idiopathic primary SND, which is genetic, and forms that are secondary to cardiovascular or systemic disease. The incidence of SND in the general population is expected to increase over the next half century, boosting the need to implant electronic pacemakers. During the last two decades, our knowledge of sino-atrial node physiology and of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SND has advanced considerably. This review summarizes the current knowledge about SND mechanisms and discusses the possibility of introducing new pharmacologic therapies for treating SND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Mesirca
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34096 Montpellier, France;
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 06560 Nice, France
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia at the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Thomas J Hund
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia at the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Angelo G Torrente
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34096 Montpellier, France;
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 06560 Nice, France
| | - Isabelle Bidaud
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34096 Montpellier, France;
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 06560 Nice, France
| | - Peter J Mohler
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia at the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Matteo E Mangoni
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34096 Montpellier, France;
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 06560 Nice, France
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25
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Abela M, Sharma S. Electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2020; 69:533-556. [PMID: 33059398 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.20.05331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Participation in regular exercise of moderate intensity is associated with a plethora of systemic benefits, including a reduction in risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis; however, intensive exercise may paradoxically culminate in sudden cardiac arrest among individuals harboring arrhythmogenic substrates. The precise mechanism for arrhythmogenesis is likely multifactorial, however, surges in catecholamines, electrolyte shifts, acid-base disturbances, increased core temperature and demand myocardial ischemia are potential contributors. Although most deaths occur in middle aged and older males with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, a significant proportion also affect young athletes with inherited or congenital cardiac abnormalities. The impact of such catastrophes on society, particularly when a young high-profile athlete is affected could be considered a justified reason for identifying individuals who may be at risk. Given the rarity of deaths in young athletes, only the simplest screening test, such as the 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) may be considered to be cost effective. The ECG is effective for detecting serious electrical diseases in young athletes such as congenital electrical accessory pathways and ion channel diseases but can also identify athletes with potential life-threatening structural diseases such as hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. One of the concerns about ECG screening is that regular intensive exercise results in several physiological alterations in cardiac structure and function that are reflected on the athlete's ECG. Sinus bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular block, incomplete right bundle branch block, minor J-point elevation and large QRS voltages are common. Conversely, some repolarization anomalies affecting the ST segment, T waves and QT interval may overlap with patterns observed in patients with serious cardiac diseases. The situation is complicated further because age, sex and ethnicity of the athletes also influence the ECG and there is a risk that erroneous interpretation could have serious consequences. This review will describe the normal electrical patterns of the "athlete's heart" and provide insights into differentiation physiological electrical patterns from those observed in serious cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abela
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta - .,Malta Medical School, University of Malta, Msida, Malta - .,St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University, London, UK -
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University, London, UK
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26
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Gaidica M, Dantzer B. Quantifying the Autonomic Response to Stressors-One Way to Expand the Definition of "Stress" in Animals. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:113-125. [PMID: 32186720 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying how whole organisms respond to challenges in the external and internal environment ("stressors") is difficult. To date, physiological ecologists have mostly used measures of glucocorticoids (GCs) to assess the impact of stressors on animals. This is of course too simplistic as Hans Seyle himself characterized the response of organisms to "noxious stimuli" using multiple physiological responses. Possible solutions include increasing the number of biomarkers to more accurately characterize the "stress state" of animal or just measuring different biomarkers to more accurately characterize the degree of acute or chronic stressors an animal is experiencing. We focus on the latter and discuss how heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) may be better predictors of the degree of activation of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system and complement or even replace measures of GCs as indicators of animal health, welfare, fitness, or their level of exposure to stressors. The miniaturization of biological sensor technology ("bio-sensors" or "bio-loggers") presents an opportunity to reassess measures of stress state and develop new approaches. We describe some modern approaches to gathering these HR and HRV data in free-living animals with the aim that heart dynamics will be more integrated with measures of GCs as bio-markers of stress state and predictors of fitness in free-living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Gaidica
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Morlin MT, Cruz CJGD, Melo PBS, Lopes GHR, Soares EDMKVK, Porto LGG, Molina GE. BRADYCARDIA IN ATHLETES: DOES THE TYPE OF SPORT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE? – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202026052019_0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bradycardia in athletes can range from moderate to severe, and the factors that contribute to slow heart rate are complex. Studies investigating the mechanisms associated with this condition are controversial, and may be linked to the form of exercise practiced. A systematic literature review was conducted to discuss bradycardia mechanisms in athletes who practice different forms of sport. The databases consulted were Pubmed (MEDLINE), Clinical Trials, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Sport Discus and PEDro. The search included English language articles published up to January 2019, that evaluated athletes who practiced different forms of sport. One hundred and ninety-three articles were found, ten of which met the inclusion criteria, with 1549 male and female athletes who practiced diverse forms of sport. Resting heart rate and cardiac structure were studied in association with the form of sport practiced, through heart rate variability, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and pharmacological blockade. The studies suggest that a slow resting heart rate cannot be explained by increased vagal modulation alone, but also includes changes in cardiac structure. According to the studies, different sports seem to produce different cardiac responses, and the bradycardia found in athletes can be explained by non-autonomic and autonomic mechanisms, depending on the type of effort or the form of sport practiced. However, the mechanism underlying the slow heart rate in each form of sport is still unclear. Level of evidence II; Prognostic studies - Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of disease.
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Hossri CAC. Distúrbios do Sistema de Condução Atrioventricular e Potenciais Riscos de Eventos Arrítmicos em Atletas de Alta Resistência. Arq Bras Cardiol 2020; 115:78-79. [PMID: 32813831 PMCID: PMC8384336 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20200668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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29
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Benchimol-Barbosa PR, Nasario Junior O, Nadal J. Assessing Dynamic Atrioventricular Conduction Time to RR-interval Coupling in Athletes and Sedentary Subjects. Arq Bras Cardiol 2020; 115:71-77. [PMID: 32401843 PMCID: PMC8384324 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20190281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atrioventricular conduction time ( AVCT ) is influenced by autonomic input and subject to physiological remodeling. Objective To evaluate beat-by-beat AVCT and RR-interval variability in athletes and healthy sedentary subjects. Methods Twenty adults, including 10 healthy sedentary (Controls) and 10 elite long-distance runners (Athletes), age, weight and height-adjusted, underwent maximal metabolic equivalent (MET) assessment, and 15-min supine resting ECG recording seven days later. The interval between P-wave and R-wave peaks defined the AVCT . Mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) of consecutive RR-intervals (RR) and coupled AVCT were calculated, as well as regression lines of RR vs. AVCT (RR-AVCT) . Concordant AV conduction was defined as positive RR-AVCT slope and discordant otherwise. A multivariate linear regression model was developed to explain MET based on AVCT and RR-interval variability parameters. Significance-level: 5 %. Results In Athletes, M-RR and SD-RR values were higher than in Controls, whereas M-AVCT and SD-AVCT were not. RR-AVCT slopes were, respectively, 0.038 ± 0.022 and 0.0034 ± 0.017 (p < 0.05). Using a cut-off value of 0.0044 (AUC 0.92 ± 0.07; p < 0.001), RR-AVCT slope showed 100% specificity and 80% sensitivity. In a multivariate model, SD-RR and RR-AVCT slope were independent explanatory variables of MET (F-ratio: 17.2; p < 0.001), showing 100% specificity and 90% sensitivity (AUC 0.99 ± 0.02; p < 0.001). Conclusion In elite runners, AVCT to RR -interval dynamic coupling shows spontaneous discordant AV conduction, characterized by negative AVCT vs. RR -interval regression line slope. RR -intervals standard deviation and AVCT vs. RR -interval regression line slope are independent explanatory variables of MET (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivassé Nasario Junior
- Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Jurandir Nadal
- Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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30
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Parry-Williams G, Sharma S. The effects of endurance exercise on the heart: panacea or poison? Nat Rev Cardiol 2020; 17:402-412. [PMID: 32152528 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-020-0354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regular aerobic physical exercise of moderate intensity is undeniably associated with improved health and increased longevity, with some studies suggesting that more is better. Endurance athletes exceed the usual recommendations for exercise by 15-fold to 20-fold. The need to sustain a large cardiac output for prolonged periods is associated with a 10-20% increase in left and right ventricular size and a substantial increase in left ventricular mass. A large proportion of endurance athletes have raised levels of cardiac biomarkers (troponins and B-type natriuretic peptide) and cardiac dysfunction for 24-48 h after events, but what is the relevance of these findings? In the longer term, some endurance athletes have an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmias. The inherent association between these 'maladaptations' and sudden cardiac death in the general population raises the question of whether endurance exercise could be detrimental for some individuals. However, despite speculation that these abnormalities confer an increased risk of future adverse events, elite endurance athletes have an increased life expectancy compared with the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Parry-Williams
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
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31
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Turkoglu E, Güngör H, Ergene O, Pelliccia A. Preparticipation screening of athletic participant: A proposal for the cardiologist. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR ACADEMY 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/ijca.ijca_11_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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32
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Sharma S, Drezner JA, Baggish A, Papadakis M, Wilson MG, Prutkin JM, La Gerche A, Ackerman MJ, Borjesson M, Salerno JC, Asif IM, Owens DS, Chung EH, Emery MS, Froelicher VF, Heidbuchel H, Adamuz C, Asplund CA, Cohen G, Harmon KG, Marek JC, Molossi S, Niebauer J, Pelto HF, Perez MV, Riding NR, Saarel T, Schmied CM, Shipon DM, Stein R, Vetter VL, Pelliccia A, Corrado D. International recommendations for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Eur Heart J 2019; 39:1466-1480. [PMID: 28329355 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport. A variety of mostly hereditary, structural, or electrical cardiac disorders are associated with SCD in young athletes, the majority of which can be identified or suggested by abnormalities on a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Whether used for diagnostic or screening purposes, physicians responsible for the cardiovascular care of athletes should be knowledgeable and competent in ECG interpretation in athletes. However, in most countries a shortage of physician expertise limits wider application of the ECG in the care of the athlete. A critical need exists for physician education in modern ECG interpretation that distinguishes normal physiological adaptations in athletes from distinctly abnormal findings suggestive of underlying pathology. Since the original 2010 European Society of Cardiology recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes, ECG standards have evolved quickly over the last decade; pushed by a growing body of scientific data that both tests proposed criteria sets and establishes new evidence to guide refinements. On 26-27 February 2015, an international group of experts in sports cardiology, inherited cardiac disease, and sports medicine convened in Seattle, Washington, to update contemporary standards for ECG interpretation in athletes. The objective of the meeting was to define and revise ECG interpretation standards based on new and emerging research and to develop a clear guide to the proper evaluation of ECG abnormalities in athletes. This statement represents an international consensus for ECG interpretation in athletes and provides expert opinion-based recommendations linking specific ECG abnormalities and the secondary evaluation for conditions associated with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusettes General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | - Jordan M Prutkin
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Department of Cardiology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, MN, USA
| | - Mats Borjesson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Jack C Salerno
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Irfan M Asif
- Department of Family Medicine, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - David S Owens
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, NC, USA
| | - Michael S Emery
- Center of Cardiovascular Care in Athletics, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
| | | | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, Arrhythmology Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | | | - Gordon Cohen
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly G Harmon
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Silvana Molossi
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
| | - Josef Niebauer
- University Institute of Sports Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Austria
| | - Hank F Pelto
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marco V Perez
- Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Nathan R Riding
- Department of Sports Medicine, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar
| | - Tess Saarel
- Pediatric Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, OH, USA
| | | | - David M Shipon
- Heart Center of Philadelphia, Jefferson University Hospitals, PA, USA
| | - Ricardo Stein
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Clinicas de Porte Allegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Italy
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Martins de Abreu R, Porta A, Rehder-Santos P, Cairo B, Donisete da Silva C, De Favari Signini É, Sakaguchi CA, Catai AM. Effects of inspiratory muscle-training intensity on cardiovascular control in amateur cyclists. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 317:R891-R902. [PMID: 31596110 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00167.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on autonomic function and baroreflex regulation are poorly studied. This study aims at evaluating chronic effects of different IMT intensities on cardiovascular control in amateur cyclists. A longitudinal, randomized, controlled blind study was performed on 30 recreational male cyclists undergoing IMT for 11 wk. Participants were randomly allocated into sham-trained group (SHAM, n = 9), trained group at 60% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP60, n = 10), and trained group at critical inspiratory pressure (CIP, n = 11). Electrocardiogram, finger arterial pressure, and respiratory movements were recorded before (PRE) and after (POST) training at rest in supine position (REST) and during active standing (STAND). From the beat-to-beat series of heart period (HP) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP), we computed time domain markers, frequency domain indexes in the low frequency (0.04-0.15 Hz) and high frequency (HF, 0.15-0.4 Hz) bands, an entropy-based complexity index (CI), and baroreflex markers estimated from spontaneous HP-SAP sequences. Compared with SHAM, the positive effect of MIP60 over the HP series led to the HF power increase during REST (PRE: 521.2 ± 447.5 ms2; POST: 1,161 ± 878.9 ms2) and the CI rise during STAND (PRE: 0.82 ± 0.18; POST: 0.97 ± 0.13). Conversely, the negative effect of CIP took the form of the decreased HP mean during STAND (PRE: 791 ± 71 ms; POST: 737 ± 95 ms). No effect of IMT was visible over SAP and baroreflex markers. These findings suggest that moderate-intensity IMT might be beneficial when the goal is to limit cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity at REST and/or in response to STAND.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Patricia Rehder-Santos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatrice Cairo
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Étore De Favari Signini
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Akemi Sakaguchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aparecida Maria Catai
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gronwald T, Hoos O. Correlation properties of heart rate variability during endurance exercise: A systematic review. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2019; 25:e12697. [PMID: 31498541 PMCID: PMC7358842 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non‐linear measures of heart rate variability (HRV) may provide new opportunities to monitor cardiac autonomic regulation during exercise. In healthy individuals, the HRV signal is mainly composed of quasi‐periodic oscillations, but it also possesses random fluctuations and so‐called fractal structures. One widely applied approach to investigate fractal correlation properties of heart rate (HR) time series is the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). DFA is a non‐linear method to quantify the fractal scale and the degree of correlation of a time series. Regarding the HRV analysis, it should be noted that the short‐term scaling exponent alpha1 of DFA has been used not only to assess cardiovascular risk but also to assess prognosis and predict mortality in clinical settings. It has also been proven to be useful for application in exercise settings including higher exercise intensities, non‐stationary data segments, and relatively short recording times. Method Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to analyze studies that investigated the effects of acute dynamic endurance exercise on DFA‐alpha1 as a proxy of correlation properties in the HR time series. Results The initial search identified 442 articles (351 in PubMed, 91 in Scopus), of which 11 met all inclusion criteria. Conclusions The included studies show that DFA‐alpha1 of HRV is suitable for distinguishing between different organismic demands during endurance exercise and may prove helpful to monitor responses to different exercise intensities, movement frequencies, and exercise durations. Additionally, non‐linear DFA of HRV is a suitable analytical approach, providing a differentiated and qualitative view of exercise physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gronwald
- Department of Performance, Neuroscience, Therapy and Health, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Hoos
- Center for Sports and Physical Education, Julius Maximilians University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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D’Souza A, Trussell T, Morris GM, Dobrzynski H, Boyett MR. Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Athletes: Basic Mechanisms and New Directions. Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 34:314-326. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00009.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Athletes are prone to supraventricular rhythm disturbances including sinus bradycardia, heart block, and atrial fibrillation. Mechanistically, this is attributed to high vagal tone and cardiac electrical and structural remodeling. Here, we consider the supporting evidence for these three pro-arrhythmic mechanisms in athletic human cohorts and animal models, featuring current controversies, emerging data, and future directions of relevance to the translational research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia D’Souza
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tariq Trussell
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gwilym M. Morris
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Halina Dobrzynski
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Boyett
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Baggish AL. Prolonged Systole and Reduced Ejection Fraction among Competitive Athletes: Slow and Low but Able to Go. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:997-999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Generalized Poincaré plots analysis of heart period dynamics in different physiological conditions: Trained vs. untrained men. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219281. [PMID: 31276529 PMCID: PMC6611602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently we proposed a new method called generalized Poincaré plot (gPp) analysis which gave a new insight into the pattern of neurocaridac control. In this study we examined potential of gPp method to reveal changes in cardiac neural control in young athletes during three conditions: supine rest, running and relaxation, with respect to untrained subjects. Methods This method is based on the quantification of Pearson’s correlation coefficients r(j, k), between symmetrical (j = k) and asymmetrical summed j previous and k following RR intervals up to the 100th order (j,k≤100). Results Differences between groups were obtained at all levels of this analysis. The main result is the significant difference of NAI, normalized index of asymmetry, between groups in running, which was originated in different positions of local maxima of r(j, k). Compared with untrained subjects, these findings indicate modified neural control and altered intrinsic heart rate behavior in athletes which are related to some kind of memory mechanism between RR intervals. Conclusion Obtained results provide great potential of gPp method analysis in the recognition of changes in neurocardiac control in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed for identification of altered cardiac regulatory mechanisms whose background may be useful in the evaluation of genesis of athletes neurocardiovascular pathology.
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Heidbuchel H. The athlete's heart is a proarrhythmic heart, and what that means for clinical decision making. Europace 2019; 20:1401-1411. [PMID: 29244075 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurring questions when dealing with arrhythmias in athletes are about the cause of the arrhythmia and, more importantly, about the eligibility of the athlete to continue sports activities. In essence, the relation between sports and arrhythmias can be understood along three lines: sports as arrhythmia trigger on top of an underlying problem, sports as arrhythmic substrate promotor, or sports as substrate inducer. Often, there is no sharp divider line between these entities. The athlete's heart, a heart that adapts so magically to cope with the demands of exercise, harbours many structural and functional changes that by themselves predispose to arrhythmia development, at the atrial, nodal and ventricular levels. In essence, the athlete's heart is a proarrhythmic heart. This review describes the changes in the athlete's heart that are related to arrhythmic expression and focuses on what this concept means for clinical decision making. The concept of the athlete's heart as a proarrhythmic heart creates a framework for evaluation and counselling of athletes, yet also highlights the difficulty in predicting the magnitude of associated risk. The management uncertainties are discussed for specific conditions like extreme bradycardic remodelling, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter, and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University and University Hospital Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, Belgium
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Zadvorev SF, Krysiuk OB, Obrezan AG, Yakovlev AA. Effect of Personal History of Athletic Activity on the Clinical Course of Cardiovascular Diseases in Former Athletes. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057019010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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40
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Kay JC, Claghorn GC, Thompson Z, Hampton TG, Garland T. Electrocardiograms of mice selectively bred for high levels of voluntary exercise: Effects of short-term exercise training and the mini-muscle phenotype. Physiol Behav 2018; 199:322-332. [PMID: 30508549 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in cardiac function that occur with exercise training have been studied in detail, but those accompanying evolved increases in the duration or intensity of physical activity are poorly understood. To address this gap, we studied electrocardiograms (ECGs) of mice from an artificial selection experiment in which four replicate lines are bred for high voluntary wheel running (HR) while four non-selected lines are maintained as controls (C). ECGs were recorded using an ECGenie (Mouse Specifics, Inc.) both before and after six days of wheel access (as used in the standard protocol to select breeders). We hypothesized that HR mice would show innate differences in ECG characteristics and that the response to training would be greater in HR mice relative to C mice because the former run more. After wheel access, in statistical analyses controlling for variation in body mass, all mice had lower heart rates, and mice from HR lines had longer PR intervals than C lines. Also after wheel access, male mice had increased heart rate variability, whereas females had decreased heart rate variability. With body mass as a covariate, six days of wheel access significantly increased ventricle mass in both HR and C males. Within the HR lines, a subset of mice known as mini-muscle individuals have a 50% reduction in hindlimb muscle mass and generally larger internal organs, including the heart ventricles. As compared with normal-muscled individuals, mini-muscle individuals had a longer QRS complex, both before and after wheel access. Some studies in other species of mammals have shown correlations between athletic performance and QRS duration. Correlations between wheel running and either heart rate or QRS duration (before wheel running) among the eight individual lines of the HR selection experiment or among 17 inbred mouse strains taken from the literature were not statistically significant. However, total revolutions and average speed were negatively correlated with PR duration among lines of the HR selection experiment for males, and duration of running was negatively correlated with PR duration among 17 inbred strains for females. We conclude that HR mice have enhanced trainability of cardiac function as compared with C mice (as indicated by their longer PR duration after wheel access), and that the mini-muscle phenotype causes cardiac changes that have been associated with increased athletic performance in previous studies of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarren C Kay
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406, USA
| | - Gerald C Claghorn
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Zoe Thompson
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Theodore Garland
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in athletes. A large proportion of these deaths are associated with undiagnosed cardiovascular disease. Screening for high-risk individuals enables early detection of pathology, as well as permitting lifestyle modification or therapeutic intervention.ECG changes in athletes occur as a result of electrical and structural adaptations secondary to repeated bouts of exercise. Such changes are common and may overlap with patterns suggestive of underlying cardiovascular disease. Correct interpretation is therefore essential, in order to differentiate physiology from pathology. Erroneous interpretation may result in false reassurance or expensive investigations for further evaluation and unnecessary disqualification from competitive sports.Interpretation of the athlete's ECG has evolved over the past 12 years, beginning with the 2005 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) consensus, progressing to the ESC recommendations (2010), Seattle Criteria (2013) and the 'refined' criteria (2014). This evolution culminated in the recently published international recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes (2017), which has led to a significant reduction in false positives and screening-associated costs. This review aims to describe the evolution of the current knowledge on ECG interpretation as well as future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyee Basu
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
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42
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Kaur S, Alsheikhtaha Z, Mehra R. A 48-Year-Old Athletic Man With Bradycardia During Sleep. Chest 2018; 154:e139-e142. [PMID: 30409368 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CASE PRESENTATION A 48-year-old athletic man with history of dyslipidemia and second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz type I 2:1 atrioventricular block) endorses sleep-related difficulties at his annual physical examination. Mobitz type I block was diagnosed 11 years earlier when the patient presented to his primary care physician with left-sided chest pain for 2 months. He was evaluated by cardiology, with a normal stress echocardiogram. The impression was that the chest pain was nonanginal. He describes sleeping for only a few hours at a time and has nighttime awakenings. He does not wake up feeling refreshed. He experiences passive daytime sleepiness and evening somnolence. He is very active, runs every day, and has participated in several half-marathons. He currently undergoes high-intensity interval training, including running and lifting. Per his wife, the patient snores loudly and has apneic episodes during sleep. One of his siblings has OSA. He denies excessive sleepiness, with an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjeet Kaur
- Sleep Disorders Center, Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
| | | | - Reena Mehra
- Sleep Disorders Center, Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Raju H, Kalman JM. Management of Atrial Fibrillation in the Athlete. Heart Lung Circ 2018; 27:1086-1092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.04.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Prutkin JM, Wilson MG. Electrocardiography in athletes: normal and abnormal findings. Heart 2018; 104:1902-1909. [PMID: 30121634 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many sporting organisations recommend a pre-participation ECG to screen for disorders which predispose to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The ability of the ECG to perform accurately is dependent on the ECG criteria used and the experience of the operator. There have been several ECG criteria over the last decade, though these were recently superseded with the publication of the 'International Consensus Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes'. These criteria use the latest evidence to improve specificity while maintaining sensitivity for ECG-detectable pathologies associated with SCA. Accordingly, this review describes the normal, borderline and abnormal ECG findings in an asymptomatic athlete aged 12-35 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Prutkin
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Sports Medicine Department, ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.,Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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45
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Gronwald T, Hoos O, Ludyga S, Hottenrott K. Non-linear dynamics of heart rate variability during incremental cycling exercise. Res Sports Med 2018; 27:88-98. [PMID: 30040499 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1502182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Within the last years complex models of cardiovascular regulation and exercise fatigue have implemented heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of autonomic nervous system. Using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to assess heart rate correlation properties, the present study examines the influence of exercise intensity on total variability and complexity in non-linear dynamics of HRV. Sixteen cyclists performed a graded exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. HRV time domain measures and fractal correlation properties were analyzed using short-term scaling exponent alpha1 of DFA. Amplitude and complexity of HRV parameters decreased significantly. DFA-alpha1 increased from rest to low exercise intensity and showed an almost linear decrease from higher intensities until exhaustion. These findings support a qualitative change in self-organized heart rate regulation from a complex autonomic control at rest and low intensities towards a breakdown of the interaction in control mechanisms with non-autonomic heart rate control dominating at high intensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gronwald
- a MSH Medical School Hamburg , University of Applied Sciences and Medical University , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Olaf Hoos
- b Sports Centre , Julius Maximilians University of Wuerzburg , Wuerzburg , Germany
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- c Department of Sport,Exercise and Health , University of Basel , Basel , Germany
| | - Kuno Hottenrott
- d Institute of Sports Science , Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg , Halle , Germany
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Lakin R, Guzman C, Izaddoustdar F, Polidovitch N, Goodman JM, Backx PH. Changes in Heart Rate and Its Regulation by the Autonomic Nervous System Do Not Differ Between Forced and Voluntary Exercise in Mice. Front Physiol 2018; 9:841. [PMID: 30061838 PMCID: PMC6055008 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most exercise studies in mice have relied on forced training which can introduce psychological stress. Consequently, the utility of mouse models for understanding exercise-mediated effects in humans, particularly autonomic nervous system (ANS) remodeling, have been challenged. We compared the effects of voluntary free-wheel running vs. non-voluntary swimming on heart function in mice with a focus on the regulation of heart rate (HR) by the ANS. Under conditions where the total excess O2 consumption associated with exercise was comparable, the two exercise models led to similar improvements in ventricular function as well as comparable reductions in HR and its control by parasympathetic nervous activity (PNA) and sympathetic nervous activity (SNA), compared to sedentary mice. Both exercise models also increased HR variability (HRV) by similar amounts, independent of HR reductions. In all mice, HRV depended primarily on PNA, with SNA weakly affecting HRV at low frequencies. The differences in both HR and HRV between exercised vs. sedentary mice were eliminated by autonomic blockade, consistent with the similar intrinsic beating rates observed in atria isolated from exercised vs. sedentary mice. In conclusion, both forced and voluntary exercise induce comparable ventricular physiological remodeling as well as HR reductions and HR-independent enhancements of HRV which were both primarily dependent on increased PNA. New and noteworthy -No previous mouse studies have compared the effects of forced and voluntary exercise on the heart function and its modulation by the autonomic nervous system (ANS).-Both voluntary free-wheel running and forced swimming induced similar improvements in ventricular contractile function, reductions in heart rate (HR) and enhancements of HR variability (HRV).-HR regulation in exercised mice was linked to increased parasympathetic nerve activity and reduced sympathetic nerve activity.- HRV was independent of HR and depended primarily on PNA in both exercised and sedentary mice.- Complete cardiac autonomic blockade eliminated differences in both HR and HRV between exercised and sedentary mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lakin
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilo Guzman
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Farzad Izaddoustdar
- Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nazari Polidovitch
- Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jack M Goodman
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter H Backx
- Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Elliott AD, Mahajan R, Linz D, Stokes M, Verdicchio CV, Middeldorp ME, La Gerche A, Lau DH, Sanders P. Atrial remodeling and ectopic burden in recreational athletes: Implications for risk of atrial fibrillation. Clin Cardiol 2018; 41:843-848. [PMID: 29671875 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial remodeling, vagal tone, and atrial ectopic triggers are suggested to contribute to increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in endurance athletes. How these parameters change with increased lifetime training hours is debated. HYPOTHESIS Atrial remodeling occurs in proportion to total training history, thus contributing to elevated risk of AF. METHODS We recruited 99 recreational endurance athletes, subsequently grouped according to lifetime training hours, to undergo evaluation of atrial size, autonomic modulation, and atrial ectopy. Athletes were grouped by self-reported lifetime training hours: low (<3000 h), medium (3000-6000 h), and high (>6000 h). Left atrial (LA) volume, left ventricular (LV) dimensions, and LV systolic and diastolic function were assessed by echocardiography. We used 48-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring to determine heart rate, heart rate variability, premature atrial contractions, and premature ventricular contractions. RESULTS LA volume was significantly greater in the high (+5.1 mL/m2 , 95% CI: 1.3-8.9) and medium (+4.2 mL/m2 , 95% CI: 0.2-8.1) groups, compared with the low group. LA dilation was observed in 19.4%, 12.9%, and 0% of the high, medium, and low groups, respectively (P = 0.05). No differences were observed between groups for measures of LV dimensions or function. Minimum heart rate, parasympathetic tone expressed using heart rate variability indices, and premature atrial contraction and premature ventricular contraction frequencies did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS In recreational endurance athletes, increased lifetime training is associated with LA dilation in the absence of increased vagal parameters or atrial ectopy, which may promote incidence of AF in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Elliott
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rajiv Mahajan
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dominik Linz
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael Stokes
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christian V Verdicchio
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa E Middeldorp
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Sports Cardiology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
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Athlete's ECG - Simple Tips for Navigation. Heart Lung Circ 2018; 27:1042-1051. [PMID: 30032755 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.04.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Regular exercise training results in structural and electrical cardiac adaptations which are reflected in the resting 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG), thus an athlete's ECG can be quite different to that of a sedentary person of the same age, gender and ethnicity. This has been recognised as an issue in the setting of pre-participation ECG screening of athletes in whom false positive findings are commonplace when using normative ECG values derived from sedentary populations. As such, athlete ECG interpretation guidelines have been devised and modified several times over the past decade, with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of athletes undergoing unnecessary secondary investigations to exclude cardiac pathology whilst maintaining the sensitivity of the ECG in detecting cardiac diseases associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). By no means exhaustive, the following series of athlete ECG examples is aimed at providing the reader with a basic understanding of what ECG changes are considered normal for an athlete, and what changes should prompt further investigation to exclude cardiac pathology, even in the absence of symptoms.
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Coates AM, INCOGNITO ANTHONYV, SEED JEREMYD, DOHERTY CONNORJ, MILLAR PHILIPJ, BURR JAMIEF. Three Weeks of Overload Training Increases Resting Muscle Sympathetic Activity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 50:928-937. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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50
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Nasario-Junior O, Benchimol-Barbosa PR, Nadal J. Validity of P-peak to R-peak interval compared to classical PR-interval to assess dynamic beat-to-beat AV conduction variability on surface electrocardiogram. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aab814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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