Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in athletes: their causes and when to grant sports eligibility

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2006 Apr;7(4):279-81. doi: 10.2459/01.JCM.0000219321.04881.45.

Abstract

The clinical assessment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in trained athletes is of particular significance because of the recognition that young and otherwise healthy athletes may have unsuspected and potentially lethal cardiovascular disease, which can result in sudden arrhythmic death. Therefore, the risk associated with competitive sports and training in athletes with ventricular tachyarrhythmias is still not completely resolved. Ventricular arrhythmias are common in trained athletes and are usually not associated with underlying cardiovascular abnormalities. Recent studies have shown that such arrhythmias (in the absence of heart disease) do not convey adverse clinical significance and probably do not per se justify disqualification from competitive sports.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electrocardiography*
  • Humans
  • Physical Endurance*
  • Sports*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis*