[ECG and 24-hour ECG findings in athletes of static and dynamic disciplines]

Abstract

Endurance sports are associated with structural and functional changes in the myocardium. Physiologic changes representing cardiac adaptation to training are termed "athletic heart".

The aim: We compared the incidence of arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in athletes of static and dynamic sports using resting and 24 hour electrocardiography. We also studied the effect of physiologic left ventricular hypertrophy on the incidence of arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in athletes, as well as of training duration on electrocardiographic parameters.

Material and methods: We enrolled 40 male athletes of static and 40 of dynamic sports, as well as 30 normally active males. A 12-lead resting ECG, 24 hour ECG, and echocardiography were done.

Results: The resting heart reate in athletes was significantly slower (p < 0.0001). No intervals longer than 3s, bundle branch or atrioventricular blocks were disclosed. The finding of left ventricular bypertrophy and training duration had no significant effect on the presence and number of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias or blocks.

Conclusion: Resting ECG, echocardiography, and 24 hour ECG provide valuable cardiologic information in athletes. The heart rate was slower in all athletes and the PQ interval was longer as compared with controls. No serious arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities were noted. The duration of training and the presence of myocardial hypertrophy had no effect on electrocardiographic parameters.