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Palermi S, Vecchiato M, Saglietto A, Niederseer D, Oxborough D, Ortega-Martorell S, Olier I, Castelletti S, Baggish A, Maffessanti F, Biffi A, D'Andrea A, Zorzi A, Cavarretta E, D'Ascenzi F. Unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence in sports cardiology: does it have a role in evaluating athlete's heart? Eur J Prev Cardiol 2024; 31:470-482. [PMID: 38198776 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is evolving in different fields of cardiology and in particular in sports cardiology. Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to enhance risk assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of athletes. This article explores the application of AI in various aspects of sports cardiology, including imaging techniques, genetic testing, and wearable devices. The use of machine learning and deep neural networks enables improved analysis and interpretation of complex datasets. However, ethical and legal dilemmas must be addressed, including informed consent, algorithmic fairness, data privacy, and intellectual property issues. The integration of AI technologies should complement the expertise of physicians, allowing for a balanced approach that optimizes patient care and outcomes. Ongoing research and collaborations are vital to harness the full potential of AI in sports cardiology and advance our management of cardiovascular health in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Vecchiato
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Citta della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - David Niederseer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sandra Ortega-Martorell
- Data Science Research Centre, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ivan Olier
- Data Science Research Centre, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Silvia Castelletti
- Cardiology Department, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Alessandro Biffi
- Med-Ex, Medicine & Exercise, Medical Partner Scuderia Ferrari, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Department of Cardiology, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Bhatia RT, Forster J, Ackrill M, Chatrath N, Finocchiaro G, Fyyaz S, MacLachlan H, Malhotra A, Marwaha S, Papadakis M, Ring L, Sharma S, Oxborough D, Rakhit D. Coronary artery anomalies and the role of echocardiography in pre-participation screening of athletes: a practical guide. Echo Res Pract 2024; 11:5. [PMID: 38383464 PMCID: PMC10882860 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-024-00041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transthoracic echocardiography is an essential and widely available diagnostic tool for assessing individuals reporting cardiovascular symptoms, monitoring those with established cardiac conditions and for preparticipation screening of athletes. While its use is well-defined in hospital and clinic settings, echocardiography is increasingly being utilised in the community, including in the rapidly expanding sub-speciality of sports cardiology. There is, however, a knowledge and practical gap in the challenging area of the assessment of coronary artery anomalies, which is an important cause of sudden cardiac death, often in asymptomatic athletic individuals. To address this, we present a step-by-step guide to facilitate the recognition and assessment of anomalous coronary arteries using transthoracic echocardiography at the bedside; whilst recognising the importance of performing dedicated cross-sectional imaging, specifically coronary computed tomography (CTCA) where clinically indicated on a case-by-case basis. This guide is intended to be useful for echocardiographers and physicians in their routine clinical practice whilst recognising that echocardiography remains a highly skill-dependent technique that relies on expertise at the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav T Bhatia
- Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston-Upon-Hull, UK
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jan Forster
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Nikhil Chatrath
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Saad Fyyaz
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hamish MacLachlan
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarandeep Marwaha
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Liam Ring
- West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust, Bury Saint Edmunds, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group and Cardiology Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dhrubo Rakhit
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
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Yerezhepov D, Gabdulkayum A, Bilyalova G, Amangeldikyzy S, Kozhamkulov UA, Rakhimova SE, Kairov UY, Akilzhanova A. Cardiological Functional Assessment of National Olympic Team of Kazakhstan. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7511. [PMID: 38137580 PMCID: PMC10743488 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Athletes carry an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) conditions. Due to the relatively high loads and intensity of the training process, athletes' CV systems undergo various adaptations, which can combine in the future and provoke unexpected outcomes. Most CV screening protocols have several successive steps. The aim of our study was to perform a cardiological functional assessment of the National Olympic Team of Kazakhstan via several noninvasive protocols to close the gaps between the approaches and collect solid data for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) incidence among Kazakhstani athletes. METHODS The methods used in this study were 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, cardiointervalography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and HyperQ stress testing. RESULTS One case was detected via 12-lead resting ECG. Another case of the slowdown of the heart rate (HR) recovery was detected via cardiointervalography with no clinical signs and normal ECG. The HyperQ stress testing of the women's basketball team detected a positive result in four leads in one athlete. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the CV systems of athletes require the implementation of several diagnostic methods in rest and stress conditions for more precise evaluation, with each of the methods fulfilling the whole picture for the prevention of such tragic events as sudden cardiac death and sudden cardiac arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dauren Yerezhepov
- Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (A.G.); (U.A.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Aidana Gabdulkayum
- Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (A.G.); (U.A.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Galiya Bilyalova
- National Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Almaty 020000, Kazakhstan
| | - Saya Amangeldikyzy
- Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Ulan A. Kozhamkulov
- Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (A.G.); (U.A.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Saule E. Rakhimova
- Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (A.G.); (U.A.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Ulykbek Y. Kairov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Ainur Akilzhanova
- Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (A.G.); (U.A.K.); (S.E.R.)
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Halasz G, Capelli B, Nardecchia A, Cattaneo M, Cassina T, Biasini V, Barbieri D, Villa M, Beltrami M, Perone F, Villani M, Badini M, Gervasi F, Piepoli M, Via G. Cost-effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy of focused cardiac ultrasound in the pre-participation screening of athletes: the SPORT-FoCUS study. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2023; 30:1748-1757. [PMID: 37668353 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The role of pre-participation screening (PPS) modalities in preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is debated due to a high false-positive rate. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) has shown higher sensitivity and specificity, but its cost-effectiveness remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of FoCUS use in PPS. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 2111 athletes (77.4% male, mean age 24.9 ± 15.2years) underwent standardized family and medical history collection, physical examination, resting electrocardiography (ECG), FoCUS (10 min/5 views protocol), comprehensive echocardiography and exercise stress test. We prospectively evaluated three PPS incremental models: Model A, standardized medical history and physical examination Model B, Model A plus resting and stress ECG and Model C, Model B plus FoCUS (10 min/5 views protocol). We determined their incremental diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness ratio. A total of 30 athletes were diagnosed with a cardiac condition associated with SCD: 3 were identified by Model A, 14 by Model B, and 13 athletes by Model C. The introduction of FoCUS markedly increased the sensitivity of PPS, compared with Model A and Model B (sensitivity 94% vs. 19% vs. 58% specificity 93% vs. 93% vs. 92%). The total screening costs were as follows: Model A 35.64 euros, Model B 87.68 euros, and Model C 120.89 euros. Considering the sole conditions at risk of SCD, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 135.62 euros for Model B and 114.31 for Model C. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of FoCUS into the PPS allows to identify a significantly greater number of athletes at risk of SCD and markedly lowers the false negative rate. Furthermore, the incorporation of FoCUS into the screening process has shown to be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geza Halasz
- Cardiology Department, Azienda Ospedaliera SanCamillo Forlanini, Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87, Rome 00152, Italy
| | - Bruno Capelli
- Sport and Exercise Medicine, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Nardecchia
- Italian Ministry of Education and Research, I.I.S Ceccano, Via Gaeta 105, Ceccano 03023, Italy
| | - Mattia Cattaneo
- Cardiologia, Centro Medico, Lugano, Switzerland
- Cardiology Department, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Tiziano Cassina
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Biasini
- Sport Medicine and Exercise Medicine, Centro di Medicina dello Sport I° Livello, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Davide Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Villa
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Beltrami
- Cardiology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence 50142, Italy
| | - Francesco Perone
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Rehabilitation Clinic 'Villa delle Magnolie', Castel Morrone, Caserta 81020, Italy
| | - Matteo Villani
- Intensive Care Unit, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, Via Taverna Giuseppe, 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Matteo Badini
- Cardiology Department, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federico Gervasi
- Postgraduate School of Medical Statistics and Biometry, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Massimo Piepoli
- Clinical Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Gabriele Via
- Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
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Donati F, Guicciardi C, Lodi E, Fernando F, Palermi S, Modena MG, Biffi A. Echocardiography in the preparticipation screening: an old topic revisited. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:297-301. [PMID: 36938818 PMCID: PMC10219667 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preparticipation screenings have been conceived for the potential to prevent sudden cardiac death in young athletes by early identification of hidden cardiac diseases. Commonly used protocols include family history collection, physical examination, and resting electrocardiogram. Transthoracic echocardiography has been hypothesized to have a primary role in the preparticipation screening. AIMS The present study aimed to evaluate the additional role of echocardiogram in identifying cardiovascular abnormalities that might be undetected by commonly used preparticipation screening. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed Ferrari Formula Benessere, a corporate wellness program database, and analyzed data recorded from 2017 to 2022 to compare two medical models: a 'standard' preparticipation screening including medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram and exercise stress testing versus an 'advanced' preparticipation screening comprising history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, exercise stress testing and echocardiography. RESULTS From an initial sample size of 7500 patients, we included 500 patients (420 male, 33.69 ± 7.9 mean age) enrolled for the first time in the corporate wellness program between 2017 and 2022. Three hundred and thirty-nine (67.8%) patients had no abnormal findings at 'standard' preparticipation screening and, even if they would have not required further evaluation, we performed echocardiography anyway ('advanced' preparticipation screening): 31 (9.1%) showed some abnormal cardiovascular findings at echocardiography, such as patent foramen ovalis, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic root ectasia or mitral valve prolapse. CONCLUSIONS Screening echocardiogram showed an additional value (about 10% more) in detecting patients with cardiovascular abnormalities, otherwise undiagnosed with the 'standard' preparticipation screening protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Donati
- Public Health Department, PASCIA Center
- Public Health Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Claudio Guicciardi
- Public Health Department, PASCIA Center
- Public Health Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Elisa Lodi
- Public Health Department, PASCIA Center
- Public Health Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Fredrick Fernando
- Med-Ex, Medicine and Exercise srl, Medical Partner Scuderia Ferrari, Rome – Maranello (Mo)
| | - Stefano Palermi
- Med-Ex, Medicine and Exercise srl, Medical Partner Scuderia Ferrari, Rome – Maranello (Mo)
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Modena
- Public Health Department, PASCIA Center
- Public Health Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Alessandro Biffi
- Med-Ex, Medicine and Exercise srl, Medical Partner Scuderia Ferrari, Rome – Maranello (Mo)
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Galluzzo A, Fiorelli F, Rossi VA, Monzo L, Montrasio G, Camilli M, Halasz G, Uccello G, Mollace R, Beltrami M. Multimodality Imaging in Sarcomeric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Get It Right…on Time. Life (Basel) 2023; 13. [PMID: 36676118 DOI: 10.3390/life13010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) follows highly variable paradigms and disease-specific patterns of progression towards heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, a generalized standard approach, shared with other cardiomyopathies, can be misleading in this setting. A multimodality imaging approach facilitates differential diagnosis of phenocopies and improves clinical and therapeutic management of the disease. However, only a profound knowledge of the progression patterns, including clinical features and imaging data, enables an appropriate use of all these resources in clinical practice. Combinations of various imaging tools and novel techniques of artificial intelligence have a potentially relevant role in diagnosis, clinical management and definition of prognosis. Nonetheless, several barriers persist such as unclear appropriate timing of imaging or universal standardization of measures and normal reference limits. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on multimodality imaging and potentialities of novel tools, including artificial intelligence, in the management of patients with sarcomeric HCM, highlighting the importance of specific "red alerts" to understand the phenotype-genotype linkage.
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Forså MI, Bjerring AW, Haugaa KH, Smedsrud MK, Sarvari SI, Landgraff HW, Hallén J, Edvardsen T. Young athlete's growing heart: sex differences in cardiac adaptation to exercise training during adolescence. Open Heart 2023; 10:openhrt-2022-002155. [PMID: 36596623 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Athlete's heart is a condition of exercise-induced cardiac remodelling. Adult male endurance athletes more often remodel beyond reference values. The impact of sex on remodelling through adolescence remains unclear. Paediatric reference values do not account for patient sex or exercise history. We aimed to study the effect of sex on cardiac remodelling throughout adolescence. METHODS We recruited 76 male (M) and female (F) 12-year-old cross-country skiers in a longitudinal cohort study. Echocardiography was performed and analysed according to guidelines at age 12 (48 M, 28 F), 15 (34 M, 14 F) and 18 (23 M, 11 F). Repeated echocardiographic measurements were analysed by linear mixed model regression. RESULTS Males displayed greater indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LV EDVi) from age 12 (M 81±7 vs F 76±7, mL/m², p≤0.01), and progressed further until follow-up at age 18 (M 2.3±9.7 vs F -3.9±4.5 ΔmL/m², p≤0.01). LV EDVi remained above adult upper reference values in both groups. Males increased LV Mass Index from age 12 to 18 (M 33±27 vs F 4±19, Δg/m², p≤0.01). Males displayed LV mass above paediatric reference values at ages 15 and 18. A subset of males (35%) and females (25%) displayed wall thickness above paediatric reference values at age 12. Cardiac function was normal. There was no sex difference in exercise hours. CONCLUSION Sex-related differences in athlete's heart were evident from age 12, and progressed throughout adolescence. Remodelling beyond reference values was more frequent than previously reported, particularly affecting males. Age, sex and exercise history may assist clinicians in distinguishing exercise-induced remodelling from pathology in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Inngjerdingen Forså
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders W Bjerring
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina H Haugaa
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Kristine Smedsrud
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sebastian I Sarvari
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege W Landgraff
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jostein Hallén
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Hajduczok AG, Ruge M, Emery MS. Risk Factors for Sudden Death in Athletes, Is There a Role for Screening? Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep. [PMID: 35813032 PMCID: PMC9251040 DOI: 10.1007/s12170-022-00697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young athlete is an infrequent yet devastating event often associated with substantial media attention. Screening athletes for conditions associated with SCD is a controversial topic with debate surrounding virtually each component including the ideal subject, method, and performer/interpreter of such screens. In fact, major medical societies such as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology have discrepant recommendations on the matter, and major sporting associations have enacted a wide range of screening policies, highlighting the confusion on this subject. This review seeks to summarize the literature in this area to address the complex and disputed subject of screening young athletes for SCD. Recent Findings The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause myocarditis, which is one acquired cardiac disease associated with SCD. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has therefore resulted in an increased incidence of an otherwise less common condition, providing an expanded dataset for further study of this condition. Recent findings indicate that cardiac complications of athletes with myocardial involvement of SARS-CoV-2 infection are rare. Other contemporary work in SCD screening has been focused on the implementation of various screening protocols and measuring their effectiveness. Summary No universal consensus exists for athlete screening for conditions associated with SCD with varying guidelines and protocols across cardiology and sport-specific organizations. No screening program will prevent all SCD; however, small programs managed by physicians familiar with the examination of an athlete that carefully personalize screening to the individual may maximize detection of dangerous cardiac conditions while minimizing false positives.
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D'Andrea A, Sperlongano S, Russo V, D'Ascenzi F, Benfari G, Renon F, Palermi S, Ilardi F, Giallauria F, Limongelli G, Bossone E. The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Athlete's Heart Diagnosis: Current Status and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5126. [PMID: 34768646 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
“Athlete’s heart” is a spectrum of morphological and functional changes which occur in the heart of people who practice physical activity. When athlete’s heart occurs with its most marked expression, it may overlap with a differential diagnosis with certain structural cardiac diseases, including cardiomyopathies, valvular diseases, aortopathies, myocarditis, and coronary artery anomalies. Identifying the underlying cardiac is essential to reduce the potential for sudden cardiac death. For this purpose, a spectrum of imaging modalities, including rest and exercise stress echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and nuclear scintigraphy, can be undertaken. The objective of this review article is to provide to the clinician a practical step-by-step approach, aiming at distinguishing between extreme physiology and structural cardiac disease during the athlete’s cardiovascular evaluation.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review We reviewed most current medical literature in order to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, outcome, and management of hypertension in athletes. Recent Findings An estimated quarter of the world’s population is suffering from hypertension and this prevalence is also reflected in athletes and in individuals involved in leisure time sport activities. Several studies found an inverse relationship between physical activity and blood pressure. Therefore, physical exercise is recommended to prevent, manage, and treat hypertension. On the other hand, the prevalence of hypertension may vary by sport and in some cases may even be higher in athletes competing in certain disciplines than in the general population. Hypertension is the most common medical condition in athletes and may raise concerns about its management and the individual’s eligibility for competitive sports. A thorough clinical evaluation should be performed to correctly diagnose or rule out hypertension in athletes, describe the individual’s risk profile, rule out secondary causes, and detect possible hypertension-mediated organ damage caused by hypertension at an early stage. Based on most recent clinical research and international consensus documents, we propose a diagnostic algorithm as well the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of hypertension in athletes. Summary Although elevated blood pressure levels are less common in the active population, athletes are not protected from hypertension. A thorough diagnostic approach may help to identify individual at risk for adverse cardiovascular events and to address the optimal treatment as well as sport recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Schweiger
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Niederseer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Schmied
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Attenhofer-Jost
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.,Cardiovascular Center Zurich, Hirslanden Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Caselli
- Cardiovascular Center Zurich, Hirslanden Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
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Palermi S, Serio A, Vecchiato M, Sirico F, Gambardella F, Ricci F, Iodice F, Radmilovic J, Russo V, D'Andrea A. Potential role of an athlete-focused echocardiogram in sports eligibility. World J Cardiol 2021; 13:271-297. [PMID: 34589165 PMCID: PMC8436685 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v13.i8.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) of an athlete is a rare but tragic event and sport activity might play a trigger role in athletes with underlying structural or electrical heart diseases. Preparticipation screenings (PPs) have been conceived for the potential to prevent SCD in young athletes by early identification of cardiac diseases. The European Society of Cardiology protocol for PPs includes history collection, physical examination and baseline electrocardiogram, while further examinations are reserved to individuals with abnormalities at first-line evaluation. Nevertheless, transthoracic echocardiography has been hypothesized to have a primary role in the PPs. This review aims to describe how to approach an athlete-focused echocardiogram, highlighting what is crucial to focus on for the different diseases (cardiomyopathies, valvulopathies, congenital heart disease, myocarditis and pericarditis) and when is needed to pay attention to overlap diagnostic zone ("grey zone") with the athlete's heart. Once properly tested, focused echocardiography by sports medicine physicians may become standard practice in larger screening practices, potentially available during first-line evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serio
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Marco Vecchiato
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Felice Sirico
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Franco Iodice
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Juri Radmilovic
- Unit of Cardiology and Intensive Coronary Care, "Umberto I" Hospital, Nocera Inferiore 84014, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples 80131, Italy.
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12
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Dores H, de Araújo Gonçalves P, Monge J, Cardim N. Cardiac remodeling induced by exercise in Caucasian male master athletes: a cross-sectional study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021. [PMID: 34357523 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To describe cardiac remodeling in a population of male master athletes evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and to analyse its relationship with several exercise-related characteristics. A total of 105 male master athletes aged ≥ 40 years old, mostly involved in endurance sports (81.0%) with a median training-volume of 66 [44; 103] METs/h/week, were studied. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were above the references in 84.8% and 75.8% athletes, decreasing in frequency when adjusted for BSA (26.3% and 23.2%). LV geometry was changed in more than half of the athletes (eccentric hypertrophy 28.3%, concentric remodelling 15.2% and concentric hypertrophy 8.1%) and several right ventricular (RV) dimensions were increased. Left atrium was dilated in 53.5% and right atrium in 37.4% athletes; only one athlete had a dilated aorta. Mean LV ejection fraction was 61 ± 7% and global longitudinal strain - 18.3 ± 2.0%. Changes in LV geometry were more common in high intensity sports; LV dilation in athletes exercising > 10 h/week and in high intensity sports; RV dilation in athletes exercising > 66 MET-hour/week and in endurance sports. In multivariate analysis high intensity sports remained an independent predictor of changes in LV geometry. A significant proportion of male master athletes showed altered echocardiographic parameters compared to the reference values, more pronounced in those involved in endurance sports, with high intensity and high volume of exercise. This may correspond to exercise-induced physiological adaptations, reinforcing the concept that the characteristics of exercise are major determinants of cardiac remodeling and should be considered during athletes' evaluation.
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Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide, and it remains a public health problem, as it involves young subjects. Current guideline-directed risk stratification for primary prevention is largely based on left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF), and preventive strategies such as implantation of a cardiac defibrillator (ICD) are justified only for documented low LVEF (i.e., ≤ 35%). Unfortunately, only a small percentage of primary prevention ICDs, implanted on the basis of a low LVEF, will deliver life-saving therapies on an annual basis. On the other hand, the vast majority of patients that experience SCD have LVEF > 35%, which is clamoring for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. It is mandatory that additional variables be considered, both independently and in combination with the EF, to improve SCD risk prediction. LV hypertrophy (LVH) is a strong independent risk factor for SCD regardless of the etiology and the severity of symptoms. Concentric and eccentric LV hypertrophy, and even earlier concentric remodeling without hypertrophy, are all associated with increased risk of SCD. In this paper, we summarize the physiology and physiopathology of LVH, review the epidemiological evidence supporting the association between LVH and SCD, briefly discuss the mechanisms linking LVH with SCD, and emphasize the need to evaluate LV geometry as a potential risk stratification tool regardless of the LVEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Giamouzis
- Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Apostolos Dimos
- Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Andrew Xanthopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - John Skoularigis
- Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Filippos Triposkiadis
- Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece. .,Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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14
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Otto CM. Heartbeat: the global burden of stroke due to untreated hypertension. Heart 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2021-318954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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Niederseer D, Schmied C. It is not all about mortality. Heart 2021; 107:heartjnl-2020-318918. [PMID: 33436488 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Niederseer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schmied
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Gąsior JS, Hoffmann B, Silva LEV, Małek Ł, Flatt AA, Baranowski R, Werner B. Changes in Short-Term and Ultra-Short Term Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Time-Domain Heart Rate Variability Parameters during Sympathetic Nervous System Activity Stimulation in Elite Modern Pentathlonists-A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10121104. [PMID: 33348572 PMCID: PMC7766436 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of markers reflecting cardiac autonomic activity before and during stressful situations may be useful for identifying the physiological state of an athlete and may have medical or performance implications. The study aimed to determine group and individual changes in short-term (5 min) and ultra-short-term (1 min) heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RespRate), and time-domain heart rate variability (HRV) parameters during sympathetic nervous system activity (SNSa) stimulation among professional endurance athletes. Electrocardiographic recordings were performed in stable measurement conditions (Baseline) and during SNSa stimulation via isometric handgrip in 12 elite modern pentathlonists. Significant increases in short-term HR and decreases in time-domain HRV parameters with no changes in RespRate were observed during SNSa stimulation. Significant differences were observed between Baseline (all minutes) and the last (i.e., 5th) minute of SNSa stimulation for ultra-short-term parameters. Analysis of intra-individual changes revealed some heterogeneity in responses. The study provides baseline responses of HR, RespRate, and time-domain HRV parameters to SNSa stimulation among elite pentathlonists, which may be useful for identifying abnormal responses among fatigued or injured (e.g., concussed) athletes. More attention to individual analysis seems to be necessary when assessing physiological responses to sympathetic stimuli in professional endurance athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub S. Gąsior
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and General Pediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +48-793-199-222
| | - Bartosz Hoffmann
- Physiotherapy Division, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Luiz Eduardo Virgilio Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Łukasz Małek
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Cardiology, 04-635 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrew A. Flatt
- Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus), Savannah, GA 31419, USA;
| | - Rafał Baranowski
- Department of Heart Rhythm Disorders, National Institute of Cardiology, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Bożena Werner
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and General Pediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Dineen
- Medicine/Cardiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jordan Prutkin
- Medicine/Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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