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Vecchiato M, Baioccato V, Adami PE, Quinto G, Foccardi G, Slanzi G, Battista F, Neunhaeuserer D, Ermolao A. Early repolarization in adolescent athletes: A gender comparison of ECG and echocardiographic characteristics. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:1581-1591. [PMID: 36086882 PMCID: PMC9826079 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early repolarization pattern (ERp) is an electrocardiographic finding previously associated with arrhythmic risk in adults. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of ERp in a group of adolescent athletes according to gender. Furthermore, potential associations with clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters are explored. METHODS In this cross-sectional study young athletes (age < 18 years) were consecutively enrolled during the annual pre-participation evaluation, undergoing also transthoracic echocardiography assessment from January 2015 to March 2020. RESULTS The prevalence of ERp was 27% in the whole population. Athletes with ERp were more frequently men practicing endurance sports. Women with ERp showed lower heart rate at rest, greater posterior, and relative ventricular wall thickness than those without ERp. Men with ERp presented higher systolic blood pressure at peak exercise, greater septal wall thickness, and indexed left ventricular mass than those without ERp. Both genders with ERp showed increased QRS voltage and narrower QRS duration. The ERp phenotype in men was more frequently notched with higher amplitude and ascending ST segment. Women's ERp presented more frequently a slurred morphology, especially in the inferior leads, and horizontal ST slope. No differences emerged in the occurrence of arrhythmias at rest and during maximal exercise test between groups, even considering higher risk phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS ERp is an ECG finding compatible with normal cardiac adaptations to training in young athletes. ERp demonstrated gender differences regarding phenotypes previously associated with increased cardiovascular risk, not showing any differences in arrhythmias during maximal exercise test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vecchiato
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Veronica Baioccato
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Paolo Emilio Adami
- World Athletics, Medical ManagerHealth and Science DepartmentMonacoMonaco
| | - Giulia Quinto
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Giulia Foccardi
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Giulio Slanzi
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Francesca Battista
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Daniel Neunhaeuserer
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
| | - Andrea Ermolao
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Clinical Network of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Veneto RegionPadovaItaly
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Ji HY, Hu N, Liu R, Zhou HR, Gao WL, Quan XQ. Worldwide prevalence of early repolarization pattern in general population and physically active individuals: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25978. [PMID: 34087840 PMCID: PMC8183793 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early repolarization pattern (ERP) has recently been associated with cardiac events such as ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, estimates of the prevalence of ERP vary widely, especially between the general population and physically active individuals. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the worldwide prevalence of ERP in the general population and physically active individuals. METHODS We thoroughly searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for relevant studies published until December 20, 2020. Studies in which prevalence was presented or could be estimated from eligible data were included. The pooled prevalence was analyzed using a random-effect model. RESULTS Finally, we included 29 studies (182,135 subjects) in the general population and 14 studies (8087 subjects) in the physically active individuals. The worldwide pooled prevalence of ERP in the general population was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.0%-13.3%). The incidence of ERP was 17.0% and 6.2% in men and women, respectively. The prevalence was 20.9% in blacks, 13.4% in Asians, and 10.1% in Caucasians. Additionally, the prevalence of ERP in physically active individuals was 33.9% (95% CI: 25.3%-42.6%). CONCLUSION A significant difference in the worldwide prevalence of ERP is revealed in this study. The ERP is highly prevalent in men, blacks, and physically active individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
| | - Hai-Rong Zhou
- Department of General Practice, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-Liang Gao
- Department of General Practice, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Quan
- Department of General Practice, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, The Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Bacharova L. Missing Link between Molecular Aspects of Ventricular Arrhythmias and QRS Complex Morphology in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E48. [PMID: 31861705 PMCID: PMC6982310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this opinion paper is to point out the knowledge gap between evidence on the molecular level and clinical diagnostic possibilities in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) regarding the prediction of ventricular arrhythmias and monitoring the effect of therapy. LVH is defined as an increase in left ventricular size and is associated with increased occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia. Hypertrophic rebuilding of myocardium comprises interrelated processes on molecular, subcellular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels affecting electrogenesis, creating a substrate for triggering and maintaining arrhythmias. The knowledge of these processes serves as a basis for developing targeted therapy to prevent and treat arrhythmias. In the clinical practice, the method for recording electrical phenomena of the heart is electrocardiography. The recognized clinical electrocardiogram (ECG) predictors of ventricular arrhythmias are related to alterations in electrical impulse propagation, such as QRS complex duration, QT interval, early repolarization, late potentials, and fragmented QRS, and they are not specific for LVH. However, the simulation studies have shown that the QRS complex patterns documented in patients with LVH are also conditioned remarkably by the alterations in impulse propagation. These QRS complex patterns in LVH could be potentially recognized for predicting ventricular arrhythmia and for monitoring the effect of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljuba Bacharova
- International Laser Center, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Reinhard W, Trenkwalder T, Haller B, Meindl C, Schoenfeld J, Kaess BM, Hengstenberg C, Schunkert H, Pressler A, Halle M, Scherr J. The early repolarization pattern: Echocardiographic characteristics in elite athletes. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2018; 24:e12617. [PMID: 30427098 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The electrocardiographic early repolarization (ER) pattern is associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and increased long-term cardiovascular mortality. Whether structural cardiac aberrations influence the phenotype is unclear. Since ER is particularly common in athletes, we evaluated its prevalence and investigated predisposing echocardiographic characteristics and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in a cohort of elite athletes. METHODS A total of 623 elite athletes (age 21 ± 5 years) were examined during annual preparticipation screening from 2006 until 2012 including electrocardiography, echocardiography, and exercise testing. ECGs were analyzed with focus on ER. All athletes participated in a clinical follow-up. RESULTS The prevalence of ER was 17% (108/623). ER-positive athletes were predominantly male (71%, 77/108), showed a lower heart rate (57.1 ± 9.3 bpm versus 60.0 ± 11.2 bpm; p = 0.015) and a higher lean body mass compared to ER-negative participants (88.1% ± 5.6% versus 86.5% ± 6.3%; p = 0.015). Echocardiographic measurements and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in male and female athletes with and without ER largely showed similar results. Only the notching ER subtype (n = 15) was associated with an increased left atrial diameter (OR 7.01, 95%CI 1.65-29.83; p = 0.008), a higher left ventricular mass (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.03; p = 0.038) and larger relative heart volume (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.01; p = 0.01). During a follow-up of 7.4 ± 1.5 years, no severe cardiovascular event occurred in the study sample. CONCLUSIONS In elite athletes presence of ER is not associated with distinct alterations in echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise. Athletes presenting with ER are rather male, lean with a low heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Reinhard
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Teresa Trenkwalder
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Haller
- Institut für Medizinische Informatik, Statistik und Epidemiologie, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Meindl
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia Schoenfeld
- Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard M Kaess
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Medizinische Klinik I, St. Josefs-Hospital, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Christian Hengstenberg
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heribert Schunkert
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Pressler
- Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Halle
- Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Scherr
- Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- und Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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Dalos D, Fiedler L, Radojevic J, Sponder M, Dichtl W, Schukro C. Prevalence of early repolarization syndrome and long-term clinical outcome in patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Heart Vessels 2018; 34:625-631. [PMID: 30288567 PMCID: PMC6437128 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-018-1273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is diagnosed in up to 14% of sudden cardiac death (SCD) survivors. Early repolarization syndrome (ERS) in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmia is characterized by an elevated J-point in inferior and/or antero-lateral leads. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of ERS in IVF patients, and to evaluate potential differences in clinical outcome. Out of 3,552 implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) carriers, 758 SCD survivors were retrospectively identified from the databases of the Medical Universities of Vienna and Innsbruck within the last three decades. Early repolarization pattern (ERP) was classified either as "notching" or "slurring". Endpoints were defined as appropriate ICD therapies for ventricular tachyarrhythmia, either anti-tachycardia pacing or shock, and all-cause mortality. After exclusion of recognized reasons for SCD, 50 patients were assigned to the diagnosis of IVF (6.6%). An ERP was identified in 10 patients, most of them with notching (n = 8). After a mean follow-up of 11.2 ± 6.7 years (539.3 patient years), appropriate ICD therapies were found in 50% of ERS and 43% of IVF patients without ERP (p = 0.732). In ERS patients, all ICD therapies were found in patients with notching pattern. Similarly, incidence of inappropriate ICD therapies, and all-cause mortality was comparable (30% vs. 23%, p = 0.707; 10% vs. 5%, p = 0.496, respectively). In 758 SCD survivors, we found a low prevalence of IVF and ERS. Similar event rates were reported concerning all-cause mortality and ICD therapies for ventricular tachyarrhythmia after long-term follow-up in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dalos
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Fiedler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Landesklinikum Thermenregion Moedling, Mödling, Austria
| | - Jovana Radojevic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Sponder
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Dichtl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Schukro
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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