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Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Atrial fibrillation in athletes
Mohit K Turagam1, Poonam Velagapudi, Abraham G Kocheril
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA. mturagam@medicine.wisc.edu
The American Journal of Cardiology
|October 25, 2011
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in athletes, particularly middle-aged ones. Intense training may increase AF risk, but further research is needed on mechanisms and optimal exercise levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in athletes.
- Prevalence increases with age and intense/long-term sports participation.
- Potential causes include anatomical changes, inflammation, and autonomic system alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the increased prevalence of AF in athletes.
- To discuss potential mechanisms linking intense exercise and AF.
- To review current treatment challenges and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on AF in athletic populations.
- Analysis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Evaluation of current treatment strategies and outcomes.
Main Results:
- AF in athletes is often paroxysmal.
- Treatment is challenging due to limited trials and guidelines.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs are common; catheter ablation shows promise.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to understand AF mechanisms in athletes.
- Investigating autonomic hyperactivation and atrial substrate interactions is crucial.
- Studies on exercise intensity/duration effects on proarrhythmic cardiac effects are warranted.
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