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Electrocardiographic changes in 1000 highly trained junior elite athletes
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 16, 1999
Summary
Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes are common in junior elite athletes and similar to seniors. While some changes like left ventricular hypertrophy criteria are frequent, pathological signs are absent, indicating normal adaptation to training.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Elite athletes often exhibit unique electrocardiographic (ECG) findings due to physiological adaptations to intense training.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for differentiating normal athletic adaptations from pathological conditions in young athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the spectrum of ECG changes observed in a large cohort of junior elite athletes.
- To compare ECG findings between junior elite athletes and age-matched non-athletic controls.
Main Methods:
- A 12-lead ECG was performed on 1000 junior elite athletes (aged 14-18) and 300 matched non-athletic controls.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare the prevalence of various ECG parameters and criteria between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Junior elite athletes showed a higher prevalence of sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, prolonged PR, QRS, and QT intervals compared to controls.
- Criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and atrial enlargement were more common in athletes, but without associated pathological abnormalities.
- ST segment elevation was more frequent in athletes, while minor T wave inversions were observed in a small percentage of both groups.
Conclusions:
- ECG findings in junior elite athletes resemble those in senior athletes, reflecting training adaptations.
- Isolated LVH criteria are common and generally benign in this population.
- Minor T wave abnormalities warrant further investigation in athletes over 16 years old.