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Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram findings in runners completing a half marathon
Alicia B Minns1, Cameron McFarland, Monet Strachan
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92103-8925, USA. abminns01@yahoo.com
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|October 12, 2010
Summary
Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common in distance runners after a half marathon, but their clinical significance remains unclear. Further research is needed to understand these exertional cardiac changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Athletic individuals often exhibit unique electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.
- Understanding exertional cardiac changes in runners is crucial for differentiating normal adaptations from pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate electrocardiogram (ECG) changes before and after a half marathon.
- To characterize the nature and frequency of post-exertional ECG alterations in runners.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 87 runners (46 male, 41 female) aged over 18.
- ECGs recorded pre-race and within 15 minutes post-race.
- Echocardiograms performed on a subset with abnormal or changed post-race ECGs.
Main Results:
- 62% of runners (54/87) showed ECG changes post-race.
- Most common changes included atrial enlargement and new conduction abnormalities.
- No significant differences in ECG changes based on demographics or medical history.
- 8 of 20 echocardiograms were abnormal, with some findings inconsistent with ECG results.
Conclusions:
- Distance running can induce ECG abnormalities in a majority of participants.
- The clinical significance of these exertional ECG changes in runners is currently unclear.
- Further investigation is warranted to interpret the clinical implications of these findings.
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