Exercise-induced second-degree atrioventricular block in endurance athletes

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Mar;45(3):411-4. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318276c9a4.

Abstract

Training induces volume- and time-dependent morphological and functional changes in the heart. Heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter), are a well-established consequence of such long-term endurance practice. Although resting bradycardia and first-degree atrioventricular persist in veteran athletes, a higher conduction system impairment has never been reported neither at rest nor during exercise. We report here two cases of Type II second-degree atrioventricular block occurring during exercise in middle-age well-trained athletes. Because animal and human studies suggest that a progressive myocardial fibrosis could explain such phenomenon, long-term training could also have consequences on the conduction pathways.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrioventricular Block / etiology*
  • Atrioventricular Block / physiopathology*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Running / physiology*