Is Exercise Helpful or Harmful in Dealing With Specific Arrhythmia

Abstract

Exercise is universally known to benefit health by lowering risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions, including channelopathies, cardiomyopathies and coronary artery disease, exercise can cause sudden cardiac death (SCD). In this review, we explore exercise related risks and current recommendations for specific conditions. The risk of myocardial infarction (MI) during strenuous exercise in asymptomatic individuals with coronary artery disease is decreased with habitual exercise, especially if they have a normal ejection fraction and no ischemia. Furthermore, cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to be beneficial in heart failure. On the other hand, surgery is recommended for certain anomalous coronaries prior to engaging in vigorous activity. In addition, both exercise-induced disease progression and SCD in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy restrict ability to engage in competitive sports, as is the case in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other diseases, like myocarditis only cause temporary risk for SCD. Previously considered benign, common conditions like early repolarization do increase SCD risk. Finally, certain gear including thicker chest protectors for athletes engaging in sports with hard, small spherical objects decrease risk of commotio cordis. While significant advances have been achieved in diagnosing and treating previously unrecognized conditions that predispose to sudden cardiac death, more research is needed to further tailor recommendations to allow beneficial exercise in those with rarer conditions that are under-represented in large systemic studies.