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Differentiating Athlete's Heart from Cardiomyopathies - The Right Side
1Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|June 5, 2018
Summary
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) can cause sudden cardiac death in athletes. Differentiating ARVC from athlete's heart is challenging due to overlapping symptoms, impacting diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a primary cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
- Intense exercise can exacerbate ARVC progression, necessitating exercise restrictions for management.
- Physiological adaptations in athletes' hearts can mimic ARVC findings on ECG and imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cardiac changes associated with athlete's heart, focusing on the right ventricle.
- To examine the diagnostic criteria for ARVC.
- To discuss the challenges in diagnostic accuracy for ARVC in athletic populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on athlete's heart and ARVC.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria for ARVC.
- Discussion of imaging and ECG findings in athletes versus ARVC patients.
Main Results:
- Athlete's heart can present with right ventricular changes similar to ARVC.
- Diagnostic criteria for ARVC may lead to misdiagnosis in athletes.
- Distinguishing between physiological training effects and ARVC pathology is complex.
Conclusions:
- Accurate differentiation between athlete's heart and ARVC is crucial for appropriate management.
- A practical approach is needed to address diagnostic challenges in athletes.
- Further research may refine diagnostic strategies for ARVC in athletes.