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Devices and Athletics: Decision-Making Around Return to Play.
1Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 789 Howard Avenue, Dana 319, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics
|January 27, 2024
Summary
Athletes with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can safely participate in competitive sports. Registry data shows sports participation did not increase ICD shocks or cause sports-related deaths, allowing many athletes to continue competing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) were historically contraindicated for competitive athletics.
- Concerns existed regarding the safety of ICDs during strenuous physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of competitive sports participation in athletes with ICDs.
- To assess the risk of ICD shocks and adverse events during athletic activity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational registry study.
- Inclusion of 440 athletes with ICDs participating in sports.
- Median follow-up of 44 months.
Main Results:
- Sports participation was not associated with an increased frequency of appropriate or inappropriate ICD shocks compared to other activities.
- No sports-related deaths or need for external resuscitation were observed in the cohort.
- Optimization of medical therapy, device settings, and emergency action plans were key factors.
Conclusions:
- Competitive athletics participation is safe for athletes with ICDs when managed appropriately.
- Current data challenges previous contraindications for ICD patients in sports.
- Individualized management strategies enable safe athletic activity for many athletes with ICDs.
