Prevalence and predictors of electrocardiogram abnormalities among athletes

Background Existing evidence, predominantly from Western countries, has demonstrated that athletes' hearts undergo structural, physiological, and electrical changes, leading to abnormal electrocardiogram readings that are said to be training-related. Athletes with non-training-related electrocardiographic abnormalities risk developing sudden cardiac death. The lack of studies on this issue in the Asian population warrants further exploration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictive factors contributing to electrocardiogram abnormalities among athletes in Brunei. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 athletes (median age 25.2 years) in 10 sporting disciplines, whose electrocardiogram readings and essential information was obtained. Results The prevalence of an abnormal electrocardiogram was 52% (95% confidence interval: 42.0%-62.0%), comprising training-related changes in 49% (95% confidence interval: 39.0%-59.0%) and non-training-related changes in 3% (95% confidence interval: 0.4%-6.4%). Athletes with a higher body mass index were 3.3-times (95% confidence interval: 1.47-9.58) more likely to have abnormal electrocardiogram readings. Athletes <25-years old (odds ratio = 0.25, 95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.81) and those who trained with low dynamic intensity (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.93) were significantly less likely to have electrocardiogram abnormalities. Conclusions This is the first study reporting abnormal electrocardiograms among athletes in Brunei, which provides important information to relevant agencies involved in the preparation of Asian athletes for domestic or international competitions, particularly those with a higher body mass index and low dynamic training intensity.