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Related Experiment Videos

Atrial fibrillation in elite athletes

F Furlanello1, A Bertoldi, M Dallago

  • 1S. Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan-Rome, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|September 4, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent cause of palpitations in young male athletes. This condition can lead to disqualification but may resolve with treatment or detraining.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncommon in individuals under 25 but may be more prevalent in competitive athletes.
  • This study investigated AF in young elite athletes, including champions, to identify arrhythmias impacting their careers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the occurrence and characteristics of atrial fibrillation in a cohort of young elite athletes.
  • To understand the clinical presentation, triggers, and outcomes of AF in this specific population.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewed medical records of 1,772 athletes with arrhythmias from 1974-1997.
  • Focused on 146 young elite athletes (mean age 24) with a mean follow-up of 62 months.
  • Utilized transesophageal pacing and electrophysiologic testing to assess AF reinduction.

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Main Results:

  • 13 out of 146 young elite athletes (9%) were diagnosed with AF (11 paroxysmal, 2 chronic), all male.
  • Paroxysmal AF occurred during, after, or at rest, and was reproducible via electrophysiologic testing.
  • AF caused symptoms in 40% of athletes with prolonged palpitations; underlying substrates included Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, and myocarditis.

Conclusions:

  • Atrial fibrillation in young elite male athletes is a common cause of prolonged palpitations, easily reproduced by electrophysiologic testing.
  • AF can lead to disqualification from sports, but may be managed through detraining, correction of triggers (e.g., WPW), or substrate modification.