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Petrungaro M, Fusco L, Cavarretta E, Scarà A, Borrelli A, Romano S, Petroni R, D'Ascenzi F, Sciarra L. Long-Term Sports Practice and Atrial Fibrillation: An Updated Review of a Complex Relationship. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10050218. [PMID: 37233185 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10050218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, and it is an enormous burden worldwide because of its high morbidity, disability and mortality. It is generally acknowledged that physical activity (PA) is strongly associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and all-cause mortality. Moreover, it has been observed that moderate and regular physical activity has the potential to reduce the risk of AF, in addition to improving overall well-being. Nevertheless, some studies have associated intense physical activity with an increased risk of AF. This paper aims to review the main related literature to investigate the association between PA and AF incidence and draw pathophysiological and epidemiological conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Petrungaro
- Unit of Electrophysiology, Belcolle Hospital, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
- Cardiology Department, University of Rome Sapienza, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Liuba Fusco
- Cardiology Unit, University Hospital of Northamptonshire, Northampton NN1 5BD, UK
| | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Scarà
- Unit of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Borrelli
- Unit of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvio Romano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Renata Petroni
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Di Lorenzo Clinic, 67052 Avezzano, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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Sanchis-Gomar F, Lavie CJ. Protecting against sedentary lifestyle, left atrial enlargement and atrial fibrillation. Open Heart 2022; 9:openhrt-2022-001962. [PMID: 35165169 PMCID: PMC8845329 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-001962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School - The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Giallauria F, Strisciuglio T, Cuomo G, Di Lorenzo A, D'Angelo A, Volpicelli M, Izzo R, Manzi MV, Barbato E, Morisco C. Exercise Training: The Holistic Approach in Cardiovascular Prevention. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2021; 28:561-577. [PMID: 34724167 PMCID: PMC8590648 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-021-00482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, there are robust clinical and pathophysiological evidence supporting the beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular (CV) system. Thus, the physical activity is considered a key strategy for CV prevention. In fact, exercise training exerts favourable effects on all risk factors for CV diseases (i.e. essential hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, etc…). In addition, all training modalities such as the aerobic (continuous walking, jogging, cycling, etc.) or resistance exercise (weights), as well as the leisure-time physical activity (recreational walking, gardening, etc) prevent the development of the major CV risk factors, or delay the progression of target organ damage improving cardio-metabolic risk. Exercise training is also the core component of all cardiac rehabilitation programs that have demonstrated to improve the quality of life and to reduce morbidity in patients with CV diseases, mostly in patients with coronary artery diseases. Finally, it is still debated whether or not exercise training can influence the occurrence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. In this regard, there is some evidence that exercise training is protective predominantly for atrial arrhythmias, reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation. In conclusion, the salutary effects evoked by physical acitvity are useful in primary and secondary CV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Strisciuglio
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Cuomo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Lorenzo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea D'Angelo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Volpicelli
- Department of Cardiology, "Santa Maria della Pietà" Hospital (ASL Napoli 3 Sud), 80035, Nola, NA, Italy
| | - Raffaele Izzo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Virginia Manzi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Barbato
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Morisco
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Tanaka H, Tarumi T, Rittweger J. Aging and Physiological Lessons from Master Athletes. Compr Physiol 2019; 10:261-296. [PMID: 31853968 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sedentary aging is often characterized by physical dysfunction and chronic degenerative diseases. In contrast, masters athletes demonstrate markedly greater physiological function and more favorable levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, frailty, and cognitive dysfunction than their sedentary counterparts. In many cases, age-related deteriorations of physiological functions as well as elevations in risk factors that are typically observed in sedentary adults are substantially attenuated or even absent in masters athletes. Older masters athletes possess greater functional capacity at any given age than their sedentary peers. Impressive profiles of older athletes provide insight into what is possible in human aging and place aging back into the domain of "physiology" rather than under the jurisdiction of "clinical medicine." In addition, these exceptional aging athletes can serve as a role model for the promotion of physical activity at all ages. The study of masters athletes has provided useful insight into the positive example of successful aging. To further establish and propagate masters athletics as a role model for our aging society, future research and action are needed. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:261-296, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Tanaka
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Takashi Tarumi
- Human Informatics Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Centurión OA, Candia JC, Scavenius KE, García LB, Torales JM, Miño LM. The Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Endurance Physical Activity: How Much is too Much? J Atr Fibrillation 2019; 12:2167. [PMID: 32435330 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in middle-aged athletes. Physical exercise performed in a regular basis has been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Moderate physical exercise, aside from producing a nice, peaceful and well-being sensation, has been associated with a reduced risk of AF. However, more strenuous endurance exercise, like the one experiencing marathon runners, seems to increase the risk of AF in healthy athletes without organic heart disease. On the other hand, low physical activity was found to be a risk factor for the appearance of AF. Nevertheless, the relationship of exercise to AF is complex, influenced by the intensity and the duration of the physical activity, and seems to have a U-shaped relationship with the greatest levels of physical activity possibly increasing AF incidence. There is cumulative data associating moderate physical activity to reduced AF incidence, hence physicians should recommend moderate exercise training to patients with AF. This may not only reduce AF risk, but would also contribute to an overall cardiovascular benefit. However, since there is also important data suggesting significant increased incidence of AF in elite athletes with long-term endurance physical activity, it may be a serious concern to go to the extreme. In most things in life it is much better and wiser to be well balanced, always in equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmar Antonio Centurión
- Department of Health Science's Investigation. Sanatorio Metropolitano. Fernando de la Mora. Paraguay.,Department of Health Science's Investigation. Sanatorio Metropolitano. Fernando de la Mora. Paraguay
| | - José C Candia
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Clinical Hospital. Asunción National University (UNA). San Lorenzo. Paraguay
| | - Karina E Scavenius
- Department of Health Science's Investigation. Sanatorio Metropolitano. Fernando de la Mora. Paraguay.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Clinical Hospital. Asunción National University (UNA). San Lorenzo. Paraguay
| | - Laura B García
- Department of Health Science's Investigation. Sanatorio Metropolitano. Fernando de la Mora. Paraguay.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Clinical Hospital. Asunción National University (UNA). San Lorenzo. Paraguay
| | - Judith M Torales
- Department of Health Science's Investigation. Sanatorio Metropolitano. Fernando de la Mora. Paraguay.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Clinical Hospital. Asunción National University (UNA). San Lorenzo. Paraguay
| | - Luís Marcelo Miño
- Department of Health Science's Investigation. Sanatorio Metropolitano. Fernando de la Mora. Paraguay.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Clinical Hospital. Asunción National University (UNA). San Lorenzo. Paraguay
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7
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Atrial fibrillation in highly trained endurance athletes — Description of a syndrome. Int J Cardiol 2017; 226:11-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Perez-Quilis C, Lippi G, Cervellin G, Löllgen H, Sanchis-Gomar F. Exercising recommendations for paroxysmal AF in young and middle-aged athletes (PAFIYAMA) syndrome. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:24. [PMID: 28164109 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.01.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carme Perez-Quilis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia and Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Instituto de Investigación INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabian Sanchis-Gomar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia and Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Instituto de Investigación INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain;; Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Sanchis-Gomar F, Lucia A. Pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation in endurance athletes: an overview of recent findings. CMAJ 2016; 188:E433-E435. [PMID: 27601603 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.160416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Sanchis-Gomar
- Research Institute of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre (Sanchis-Gomar, Lucia); European University of Madrid (Lucia), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Research Institute of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre (Sanchis-Gomar, Lucia); European University of Madrid (Lucia), Madrid, Spain
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