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Milovančev A, Ilić A, Miljković T, Petrović M, Stojšić Milosavljević A, Roklicer R, Trivic T, Manojlovic M, Rossi C, Bianco A, Drid P. Cardiac biomarkers alterations in rapid weight loss and high-intensity training in judo athletes: a crossover pilot study. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2024; 64:1224-1233. [PMID: 39225021 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.24.15992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating alterations in cardiac biomarkers in rapid sport-associated weight loss (RWL) and high-intensity sport-specific training (HISST) are lacking. This pilot study aimed to examine the effects of RWL and HISST on heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac biomarkers, and left ventricular systolic function. Nine elite male judokas participated in the presented survey. METHODS The athletes underwent a baseline assessment and two testing protocols, the first phase with RWL where they had to lose 5% of their body weight simultaneously with HISST, and the second phase after 7 days, in which only HISST was performed. Participants underwent electrocardiogram, biomarker, and transthoracic echocardiogram evaluation after each phase. RESULTS In the first phase (RWL and HISST) athletes, heart rate increased significantly, 58.11 (7.78) versus 79 (9.25), P=0.001; as well as cardiac biomarkers: lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 175.33 (31.22) vs. 238.56 (56), P=0.003; aspartate aminotransferase 16.56 (4.61) vs. 29 (9.96), P=0.027; creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB 13 (11.5;24) vs. 29.11 (10.05), P=0.004; and high sensitivity cardiac troponin 10 (0) vs. 14.49 (6.4), P=0.045. In the second phase, only HISST was associated with a significant increase in the alanine aminotransferase isoenzyme, 37.78 (11.22) vs. 26 (8.03), P=0.024, together with creatine kinase 472 (185;654) vs. 166.88 (56.57), P=0.01, compared to the initial measurement. CONCLUSIONS RWL combined with HISST produced significant alterations in cardiac biomarkers without impairment of left ventricular systolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Milovančev
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ilić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Miljković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Milovan Petrović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Anastazija Stojšić Milosavljević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Roberto Roklicer
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bressanone, Bolzano, Italy
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marko Manojlovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Carlo Rossi
- Unit of Sport and Exercise Sciences Research, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy -
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Unit of Sport and Exercise Sciences Research, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Fanale V, Segreti A, Fossati C, Di Gioia G, Coletti F, Crispino SP, Picarelli F, Antonelli Incalzi R, Papalia R, Pigozzi F, Grigioni F. Athlete's ECG Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Surviving Everyday Clinical Practice. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:303. [PMID: 39452274 PMCID: PMC11508899 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrocardiogram modifications in athletes are common and usually reflect structural and electrical heart adaptations to regular physical training, known as the athlete's heart. However, these electrical modifications sometimes overlap with electrocardiogram findings that are characteristic of various heart diseases. A missed or incorrect diagnosis can significantly impact a young athlete's life and potentially have fatal consequences during exercise, such as sudden cardiac death, which is the leading cause of death in athletes. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly distinguish between expected exercise-related electrocardiogram changes in an athlete and several electrocardiogram abnormalities that may indicate underlying heart disease. This review aims to serve as a practical guide for cardiologists and sports clinicians, helping to define normal and physiology-induced electrocardiogram findings from those borderlines or pathological, and indicating when further investigations are necessary. Therefore, the possible athlete's electrocardiogram findings, including rhythm or myocardial adaptation, will be analyzed here, focusing mainly on the differentiation from pathological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Fanale
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Segreti
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Gioia
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Coletti
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pasquale Crispino
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Picarelli
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Pigozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Grigioni
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
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3
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Abela M, Yamagata K, Bonello J, Xuereb S, Borg L, Xuereb R, Soler JF, Camilleri W, Abela E, Callus A, Farrugia M, Sapiano K, Felice T, Burg M, Sammut MA, Grech V, Papadakis M. BEAT-IT: A de-novo cardiac screening programme in Maltese adolescents. Hellenic J Cardiol 2024; 79:49-57. [PMID: 37743018 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young individuals is often unexpected, provoking substantial emotional stress for family and friends of the deceased. Cardiac screening may identify individuals who harbour disorders linked to SCD. The feasibility and diagnostic yield of a nationwide cardiac screening programme in adolescents has never been explored. METHODS All individuals eligible for cardiac screening (students aged 15 years) were systematically invited to enrol. Students were provided with a health questionnaire. ECGs were acquired at school. A physician led consultation was carried out on site. Participants with an abnormal screen were then referred for secondary evaluation to the nation's tertiary centre. Feasibility criteria included a) participation rate >60%, b) adherence to secondary evaluation >80%, and c) cost per individual screened equating to <€100. The diagnostic yield was also evaluated. RESULTS At the end of enrolment, 2708 students gave consent (mean 15 years, 50.4% male), equating to 67.9% of the eligible cohort. Overall, 109 participants (4.0%) were referred for further evaluation. An abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) was the most common reason for referral (3.7%). Fifteen individuals (0.6%) were diagnosed with a cardiac condition. Nine (0.3%) had a condition linked to SCD (n = 1 Long-QT syndrome, n = 1 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, n = 5 Wolff-Parkinson White, n = 2 coronary anomalies). The yield was similar in athletes and non-athletes (p = 0.324). The cost per cardiac individual screened equated to €51.15. CONCLUSION A nationwide systematic cardiac screening programme for adolescent athletes and non-athletes is feasible and cost-efficient, provided that responsible centres have the appropriate infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abela
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta; Medical School, University of Malta, Malta; St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - John Bonello
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Sara Xuereb
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Lisa Borg
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Rachel Xuereb
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | | | | | - Estelle Abela
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Adrian Callus
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Maria Farrugia
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Karl Sapiano
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Tiziana Felice
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Melanie Burg
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Mark A Sammut
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
| | - Victor Grech
- Medical School, University of Malta, Malta; Department of Paediatrics, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta
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Pelliccia A, Drezner JA, Zorzi A, Corrado D. Prevalence and clinical significance of low QRS voltages in healthy individuals, athletes, and patients with cardiomyopathy: implications for sports pre-participation cardiovascular screening. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2024; 31:1106-1114. [PMID: 38243782 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Low QRS voltages (LQRSV), defined as a QRS amplitude from peak to nadir < 0.5 mV in all limb leads, are an emerging diagnostic finding on the electrocardiogram (ECG). In healthy individuals and athletes, LQRSV are rare (2.2-4% of elite athletes, 0.5% of recreational athletes, and 0.3% of sedentary individuals). LQRSV athletes commonly show ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) on exercise, and up to 40% of those with LQRSV and VAs have late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The prevalence of LQRSV in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy ranges from 17-40%, predicts left ventricular (LV) involvement, and is correlated with more extensive LGE replacement on CMR. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), LQRSV ranges from 0.7-11%. LQRSV-HCM patients have more segments with LGE, despite relatively smaller LV mass, suggesting a more advanced clinical stage and a worse prognosis. In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), LQRSV range from 6-7%, but may be higher (36%) in certain genetic forms of DCM. On a follow-up, LQRSV are independently associated with incident cardiac events, such as sudden death, sustained ventricular arrhythmia, or appropriate internal cardioverter defibrillator discharge. In cardiac amyloid, LQRSV range from 34-66% and demonstrate a negative prognostic value, with worse clinical outcomes regardless of underlying biologic, genetic, and clinical variables. In conclusion, LQRSV deserve careful consideration for exclusion of arrhythmogenic substrates in healthy individuals, athletes, and patients. While additional research is needed, it is reasonable that LQRSV should trigger clinical investigation to exclude underlying diseases at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pelliccia
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Chowdhury D, Elliott PA, Asaki SY, Amdani S, Nguyen Q, Ronai C, Tierney S, Levy VY, Puri K, Altman CA, Johnson JN, Glickstein JS. Addressing Disparities in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: A Call for Equitable Health Care. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032415. [PMID: 38934870 PMCID: PMC11255720 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
While significant progress has been made in reducing disparities within the US health care system, notable gaps remain. This article explores existing disparities within pediatric congenital heart disease care. Congenital heart disease, the most common birth defect and a leading cause of infant death, has garnered substantial attention, revealing certain disparities within the US health care system. Factors such as race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and geographic location are all commonalities that significantly affect health disparities in pediatric congenital heart disease. This comprehensive review sheds light on disparities from diverse perspectives in pediatric care, demonstrates the inequities and inequalities leading to these disparities, presents effective solutions, and issues a call to action for providers, institutions, and the health care system. Recognizing and addressing these disparities is imperative for ensuring equitable care and enhancing the long-term well-being of children affected by congenital heart disease. Implementing robust, evidence-based frameworks that promote responsible and safe interventions is fundamental to enduring change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devyani Chowdhury
- Cardiology Care for ChildrenLancasterPAUSA
- Nemours Cardiac CenterWilmingtonDEUSA
| | | | - S. Yukiko Asaki
- Department of Pediatric CardiologyUniversity of Utah, and Primary Children’s HospitalSalt LakeUTUSA
| | - Shahnawaz Amdani
- Division of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Medicine, Children’s Institute Department of HeartVascular & ThoracicClevelandOHUSA
| | - Quang‐Tuyen Nguyen
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of PediatricsPrimary Children’s Hospital, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Christina Ronai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric CardiologyOregon Health and Sciences UniversityPortlandORUSA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of PediatricsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Seda Tierney
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children’s HospitalStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCAUSA
| | - Victor Y. Levy
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology and NeonatologyLogan Health Children’s HospitalKalispellMTUSA
| | - Kriti Puri
- Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | | | - Jonathan N. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric CardiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | - Julie S. Glickstein
- Division of Cardiology, Department of PediatricsColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
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6
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Siontis KC, Wieczorek MA, Maanja M, Hodge DO, Kim HK, Lee HJ, Lee H, Lim J, Park CS, Ariga R, Raman B, Mahmod M, Watkins H, Neubauer S, Windecker S, Siontis GCM, Gersh BJ, Ackerman MJ, Attia ZI, Friedman PA, Noseworthy PA. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy detection with artificial intelligence electrocardiography in international cohorts: an external validation study. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 5:416-426. [PMID: 39081936 PMCID: PMC11284003 DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Aims Recently, deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) models have been trained to detect cardiovascular conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), from the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). In this external validation study, we sought to assess the performance of an AI-ECG algorithm for detecting HCM in diverse international cohorts. Methods and results A convolutional neural network-based AI-ECG algorithm was developed previously in a single-centre North American HCM cohort (Mayo Clinic). This algorithm was applied to the raw 12-lead ECG data of patients with HCM and non-HCM controls from three external cohorts (Bern, Switzerland; Oxford, UK; and Seoul, South Korea). The algorithm's ability to distinguish HCM vs. non-HCM status from the ECG alone was examined. A total of 773 patients with HCM and 3867 non-HCM controls were included across three sites in the merged external validation cohort. The HCM study sample comprised 54.6% East Asian, 43.2% White, and 2.2% Black patients. Median AI-ECG probabilities of HCM were 85% for patients with HCM and 0.3% for controls (P < 0.001). Overall, the AI-ECG algorithm had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.922 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.910-0.934], with diagnostic accuracy 86.9%, sensitivity 82.8%, and specificity 87.7% for HCM detection. In age- and sex-matched analysis (case-control ratio 1:2), the AUC was 0.921 (95% CI 0.909-0.934) with accuracy 88.5%, sensitivity 82.8%, and specificity 90.4%. Conclusion The AI-ECG algorithm determined HCM status from the 12-lead ECG with high accuracy in diverse international cohorts, providing evidence for external validity. The value of this algorithm in improving HCM detection in clinical practice and screening settings requires prospective evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos C Siontis
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mikolaj A Wieczorek
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Maren Maanja
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 3, Solna, Sweden
| | - David O Hodge
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Hyung-Kwan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul National University Hospital, 152 Tehran Street, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Soon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rina Ariga
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Betty Raman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masliza Mahmod
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Hugh Watkins
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Stefan Neubauer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Stephan Windecker
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 20, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - George C M Siontis
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 20, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernard J Gersh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zachi I Attia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Paul A Friedman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Peter A Noseworthy
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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7
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Hirota N, Suzuki S, Motogi J, Umemoto T, Nakai H, Matsuzawa W, Takayanagi T, Hyodo A, Satoh K, Arita T, Yagi N, Kishi M, Semba H, Kano H, Matsuno S, Kato Y, Otsuka T, Uejima T, Oikawa Y, Hori T, Matsuhama M, Iida M, Yajima J, Yamashita T. Evaluating convolutional neural network-enhanced electrocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy detection in a specialized cardiovascular setting. Heart Vessels 2024; 39:524-538. [PMID: 38553520 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-024-02367-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of convolutional neural network (CNN)-enhanced electrocardiography (ECG) in detecting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated HCM (dHCM) remains uncertain in real-world applications. This retrospective study analyzed data from 19,170 patients (including 140 HCM or dHCM) in the Shinken Database (2010-2017). We evaluated the sensitivity, positive predictive rate (PPR), and F1 score of CNN-enhanced ECG in a ''basic diagnosis'' model (total disease label) and a ''comprehensive diagnosis'' model (including disease subtypes). Using all-lead ECG in the "basic diagnosis" model, we observed a sensitivity of 76%, PPR of 2.9%, and F1 score of 0.056. These metrics improved in cases with a diagnostic probability of ≥ 0.9 and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on ECG: 100% sensitivity, 8.6% PPR, and 0.158 F1 score. The ''comprehensive diagnosis'' model further enhanced these figures to 100%, 13.0%, and 0.230, respectively. Performance was broadly consistent across CNN models using different lead configurations, particularly when including leads viewing the lateral walls. While the precision of CNN models in detecting HCM or dHCM in real-world settings is initially low, it improves by targeting specific patient groups and integrating disease subtype models. The use of ECGs with fewer leads, especially those involving the lateral walls, appears comparably effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Hirota
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan.
| | - Shinya Suzuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroshi Nakai
- Information System Division, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Takuto Arita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Naoharu Yagi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Mikio Kishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Semba
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Hiroto Kano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Matsuno
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Yuko Kato
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Takayuki Otsuka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Tokuhisa Uejima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Yuji Oikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hori
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Matsuhama
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Iida
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junji Yajima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamashita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan
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8
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Lasocka-Koriat Z, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Kaleta-Duss A, Siekierzycka A, Kalinowski L, Lewicka E, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A. Differences in cardiac adaptation to exercise in male and female athletes assessed by noninvasive techniques: a state-of-the-art review. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1065-H1079. [PMID: 38391314 PMCID: PMC11380999 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00756.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Athlete's heart is generally regarded as a physiological adaptation to regular training, with specific morphological and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system. Development of the noninvasive imaging techniques over the past several years enabled better assessment of cardiac remodeling in athletes, which may eventually mimic certain pathological conditions with the potential for sudden cardiac death, or disease progression. The current literature provides a compelling overview of the available methods that target the interrelation of prolonged exercise with cardiac structure and function. However, this data stems from scientific studies that included mostly male athletes. Despite the growing participation of females in competitive sport meetings, little is known about the long-term cardiac effects of repetitive training in this population. There are several factors-biochemical, physiological and psychological, that determine sex-dependent cardiac response. Herein, the aim of this review was to compare cardiac adaptation to endurance exercise in male and female athletes with the use of electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical examination, to determine the sex-specific phenotypes, and to improve the healthcare providers' awareness of cardiac remodeling in athletes. Finally, we discuss the possible exercise-induced alternations that should arouse suspicion of pathology and be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka-Koriat
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Kaleta-Duss
- Institute for Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Anna Siekierzycka
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- BioTechMed Centre/Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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9
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Lander BS, Duffy EY, Hennessey JA, Tolani S, Patel N, Bohnen MS, Hsu JJ, Danielian A, Shah AB, Goolsby M, Martinez MW, Phelan D, Engel DJ. Electrocardiographic Findings in Female Professional Basketball Athletes. JAMA Cardiol 2024; 9:475-479. [PMID: 38506880 PMCID: PMC10955342 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Importance Previous studies of professional basketball athletes have characterized manifestations of athletic remodeling by echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) in males and echocardiography in females. There is a paucity of female, basketball-specific ECG data. Objective To generate reference range ECG data for female professional basketball athletes. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a cross-sectional study of ECGs performed on female professional basketball athletes. The Women's National Basketball Association mandates annual preseason ECGs and echocardiograms for each athlete and has partnered with Columbia University Irving Medical Center to annually review these studies. Data for this study were collected during preseason ECG and echocardiography cardiac screening between April and May 2022. Data analysis was performed between February and July 2023. Exposure Athlete ECGs and echocardiograms were sent to Columbia University Irving Medical Center for core lab analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Quantitative ECG variables were measured. ECG data were qualitatively analyzed for training-related and abnormal findings using the International Recommendations for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. Findings from ECGs were compared with corresponding echocardiographic data. Results There were a total of 173 athletes (mean [SD] age 26.5 [4.1] years; mean [SD] height, 183.4 [9.1] cm; mean [SD] body surface area, 2.0 [0.2] m2), including 129 Black athletes (74.5%) and 40 White athletes (23.1%). By international criteria, 136 athletes (78.6%) had training-related ECG changes and 8 athletes (4.6%) had abnormal ECG findings. Among athletes with at least 1 training-related ECG finding, left ventricular structural adaptations associated with athletic remodeling were present in 64 athletes (47.1%). Increased relative wall thickness, reflecting concentric left ventricular geometry, was more prevalent in athletes with the repolarization variant demonstrating convex ST elevation combined with T-wave inversions in leads V1 to V4 (6 of 12 athletes [50.0%]) than in athletes with early repolarization (5 of 42 athletes [11.9%]) (odds ratio, 7.40; 95% CI, 1.71-32.09; P = .01). Abnormal ECG findings included T-wave inversions (3 athletes [1.7%]), Q waves (2 athletes [1.2%]), prolonged QTc interval (2 athletes [1.2%]), and frequent premature ventricular contractions (1 athlete [0.6%]). Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study provides reference ECG data for elite female basketball athletes. International criteria-defined training-related findings were common, whereas abnormal ECG findings were rare in this athlete group. These reference data may assist basketball programs and health care professionals using ECGs in screening for female athletes and may be used as a stimulus for future female-specific ECG inquiries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S. Lander
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospitals Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Eamon Y. Duffy
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jessica A. Hennessey
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sonia Tolani
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nidhi Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael S. Bohnen
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey J. Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alfred Danielian
- Las Vegas Heart Associates–Affiliated With Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Ankit B. Shah
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Marci Goolsby
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | | | - Dermot Phelan
- Sports Cardiology Center, Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - David J. Engel
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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10
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Petek BJ, Drezner JA, Churchill TW. The International Criteria for Electrocardiogram Interpretation in Athletes: Common Pitfalls and Future Directions. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2024; 16:35-49. [PMID: 38280813 PMCID: PMC11207195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in young athletes is performed to detect conditions associated with sudden cardiac death. Many medical societies and sports governing bodies support the addition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to the history and physical to improve PPCS sensitivity. The current standard for ECG interpretation in athletes, the International Criteria, was developed to distinguish physiologic from pathologic ECG findings in athletes. Although application of the International Criteria has reduced the PPCS false-positive rate, interpretative challenges and potential areas of improvement remain. This review provides an overview of common pitfalls and future directions for ECG interpretation in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Petek
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- University of Washington Medical Center for Sports Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 3800 Montlake Boulevard Northeast, Box 354060, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Timothy W Churchill
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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11
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Kazum SS, Hoss S, Monakier D, Hamdan A, Kornowski R. Dynamic T-Wave Inversion: Unraveling an Athlete's Heart Mystery. JACC Case Rep 2024; 29:102186. [PMID: 38379659 PMCID: PMC10874898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2023.102186] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
A 17-year-old athlete was initially diagnosed with presumed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, marked by deep inferolateral T-wave inversions and mild anteroseptal hypertrophy on electrocardiogram and imaging studies. Remarkably, 6 years later, following detraining, all diagnostic signs completely resolved. This case underscores the significance of vigilant athlete follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirit Sara Kazum
- Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sara Hoss
- Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Monakier
- Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ashraf Hamdan
- Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ran Kornowski
- Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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12
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Panhuyzen-Goedkoop NM, Verbeek ALM, Goedkoop RJ, Malekzadeh A, Wilde AAM, Peters RJG, Jørstad HT. Quality of athlete screening for high-risk cardiovascular conditions-A systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2094-2109. [PMID: 37449413 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading medical cause of death in athletes. To prevent SCD, screening for high-risk cardiovascular conditions (HRCC) is recommended. Screening strategies are based on a limited number of studies and expert consensus. However, evidence and efficacy of athlete HRCC screening is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine methodological quality and quality of evidence of athlete screening, and screening efficacy to detect HRCC in a systematic review. METHODS We performed a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to June 2021. We included articles containing original data of athlete cardiovascular screening, providing details of screening strategies, test results and HRCC detection. We assessed methodological quality of the included articles by QUADAS-2, quality of evidence of athlete HRCC screening by GRADE, and athlete HRCC screening efficacy by SWiM. RESULTS Of 2720 citations, we included 33 articles (1991-2018), comprising 82 417 athletes (26.7% elite, 73.4% competitive, 21.7% women, 75.2% aged ≤35). Methodological quality was 'very low' (33 articles), caused by absence of data blinding and inappropriate statistical analysis. Quality of evidence was 'very low' (33 articles), due to observational designs and population heterogeneity. Screening efficacy could not be reliably established. The prevalence of HRCC was 0.43% with false positive rate (FPR) 13.0%. CONCLUSIONS Methodological quality and quality of evidence on athlete screening are suboptimal. Efficacy could not be reliably established. The prevalence of screen detected HRCC was very low and FPR high. Given the limitations of the evidence, individual recommendations need to be prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Panhuyzen-Goedkoop
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sports Medical Centre Papendal, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - André L M Verbeek
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan Malekzadeh
- University Library, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A M Wilde
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron J G Peters
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harald T Jørstad
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Williamson MD, Grubic N, Moulson N, Johri AM. Comparative evaluation of an electrocardiogram workflow model for athletic cardiovascular screening: Primary care network versus sports cardiology interpretation. J Electrocardiol 2023; 81:36-40. [PMID: 37517199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrocardiogram (ECG) testing in pre-participation screening (PPS) remains controversial due to its cost, resource dependency, and the potential for inaccurate interpretations. At most centres, ECGs are conducted internally by providers trained in athletic ECG interpretation. Outsourcing ECG requisitions to an athlete's primary care network (PCN) may reduce institutional demands. This study compared PCN-conducted athletic ECG interpretation to expert sports cardiology interpretation. METHODS This was a retrospective, single-centre chart-review study of all athletes who underwent cardiovascular PPS between 2017 and 2021. All athletes submitted an ECG with their screening package, which was conducted and interpreted within their PCN. All ECGs were reinterpreted by a sports cardiologist using the International Criteria (IC) for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Overall, positive, and negative percent agreement were used to compare PCN-conducted ECG interpretation with IC interpretation. RESULTS A total of 740 athletes submitted a screening package with a valid ECG (mean age: 18.5 years, 39.6% female). PCN-conducted ECGs were interpreted by 181 unique physicians. Among 41 (5.5%) PCN-conducted ECGs that were initially interpreted as abnormal, only 5 (0.7%) were classified as abnormal according to the IC. All PCN-conducted ECGs reported as normal were also classified as normal according to the IC. The overall agreement between PCN-conducted and IC ECG interpretation was 95.1% (positive percent agreement: 100%, negative percent agreement: 95.1%). CONCLUSIONS Normal PCN-conducted athletic ECGs are interpreted with high agreement to the IC. Majority of PCN-conducted ECGs interpreted as abnormal are indeed normal as per the IC. These findings suggest that a PPS workflow model that outsources ECG requisitions to a PCN may be a reliable approach to PPS, all while reducing screening-related institutional costs and resource requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Grubic
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Moulson
- Division of Cardiology and Sports Cardiology BC, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amer M Johri
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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14
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Malik A, Hanson J, Han J, Dolezal B, Bradfield JS, Boyle NG, Hsu JJ. Sudden cardiac arrest in athletes and strategies to optimize preparedness. Clin Cardiol 2023; 46:1059-1071. [PMID: 37493125 PMCID: PMC10540019 DOI: 10.1002/clc.24095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in young athletes. Despite efforts to improve preparedness for cardiac emergencies, the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in athletes remains high, and bystander awareness and readiness for SCA support are inadequate. Initiatives such as designing an emergency action plan (EAP) and mandating training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator use (AED) for team members and personnel can contribute to improved survival rates in SCA cases. This review provides an overview of SCA in athletes, focusing on identifying populations at the highest risk and evaluating the effectiveness of different screening practices in detecting conditions that may lead to SCA. We summarize current practices and recommendations for improving the response to SCA events, and we highlight the need for ongoing efforts to optimize preparedness through the implementation of EAPs and the training of individuals in CPR and AED use. Additionally, we propose a call to action to increase awareness and training in EAP development, CPR, and AED use for team members and personnel. To improve outcomes of SCA cases in athletes, it is crucial to enhance bystander awareness and preparedness for cardiac emergencies. Implementing EAPs and providing training in CPR and AED use for team members and personnel are essential steps toward improving survival rates in SCA cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneeq Malik
- Department of MedicineOlive View‐UCLA Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Justin Hanson
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Janet Han
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyVeterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brett Dolezal
- Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, Departments of Medicine and PhysiologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jason S. Bradfield
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia CenterDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Noel G. Boyle
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia CenterDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeffrey J. Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Medicine, Division of CardiologyVeterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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15
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Hirota N, Suzuki S, Motogi J, Umemoto T, Nakai H, Matsuzawa W, Takayanagi T, Hyodo A, Satoh K, Arita T, Yagi N, Kishi M, Semba H, Kano H, Matsuno S, Kato Y, Otsuka T, Uejima T, Oikawa Y, Hori T, Matsuhama M, Iida M, Yajima J, Yamashita T. Identification of patients with dilated phase of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using a convolutional neural network applied to multiple, dual, and single lead electrocardiograms. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2023; 46:101211. [PMID: 37152425 PMCID: PMC10160501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101211] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background This study sought to develop an artificial intelligence-derived model to detect the dilated phase of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (dHCM) on digital electrocardiography (ECG) and to evaluate the performance of the model applied to multiple-lead or single-lead ECG. Methods This is a retrospective analysis using a single-center prospective cohort study (Shinken Database 2010-2017, n = 19,170). After excluding those without a normal P wave on index ECG (n = 1,831) and adding dHCM patients registered before 2009 (n = 39), 17,378 digital ECGs were used. Totally 54 dHCM patients were identified of which 11 diagnosed at baseline, 4 developed during the time course, and 39 registered before 2009. The performance of the convolutional neural network (CNN) model for detecting dHCM was evaluated using eight-lead (I, II, and V1-6), single-lead, and double-lead (I, II) ECGs with the five-fold cross validation method. Results The area under the curve (AUC) of the CNN model to detect dHCM (n = 54) with eight-lead ECG was 0.929 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.025) and the odds ratio was 38.64 (SD 9.10). Among the single-lead and double-lead ECGs, the AUC was highest with the single lead of V5 (0.953 [SD: 0.038]), with an odds ratio of 58.89 (SD:68.56). Conclusion Compared with the performance of eight-lead ECG, the most similar performance was achieved with the model with a single V5 lead, suggesting that this single-lead ECG can be an alternative to eight-lead ECG for the screening of dHCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Hirota
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Corresponding author at: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, 3-2-19 Nishiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan.
| | - Shinya Suzuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroshi Nakai
- Information System Division, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Takuto Arita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoharu Yagi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikio Kishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Semba
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Kano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Matsuno
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kato
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Otsuka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tokuhisa Uejima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Oikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hori
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Matsuhama
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Iida
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junji Yajima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamashita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Cardiovascular Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Cuenza L, Cheong AP, Yeo TJ. Improving electrocardiogram interpretation in Asian athletes: A call to action. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:225-227. [PMID: 38904518 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2023110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucky Cuenza
- ManilaMed Sports and Exercise Medicine Centre, Manila, Philippines
- Cardinal Santos Medical Center Sports Medicine Institute: The MVP Clinic, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Tee Joo Yeo
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore
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17
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Lim B, Lim B, Hamzah F, Lim AT, Ng CS, Tan B, Tong KL. Comparison of four electrocardiographic criteria for the detection of cardiac abnormalities in Singapore athletes. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:230-238. [PMID: 38904520 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2022191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Sudden cardiac death in athletes is a rare occurrence, the most common cause being hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which increases the risk of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Most of these young athletes are asymptomatic prior to the cardiac arrest. Several electrocardiogram criteria such as the European Society of Cardiology group 2 Criteria changes, Seattle Criteria, Refined Criteria, and most recently the 2017 International Criteria, have sought to improve the accuracy of identifying these at-risk athletes during pre-participation screening while minimising unnecessary investigations for the majority of athletes at low risk.We aimed to compare the above four criteria in our Singapore athlete population to identify which criterion performed the best in detecting cardiac abnormalities on echocardiography. Method Out of 1,515 athletes included in Changi General Hospital, Singapore registry between June 2007 and June 2014, the electrocardiograms of 270 athletes with further cardiac investigations were analysed. We compared the above four electrocardiographic criteria to evaluate which performed best for detecting cardiac abnormalities on echocardiography in our Southeast Asian athlete population. Results The European Society of Cardiology, Seattle, Refined and 2017 International Criteria had a sensitivity of 20%, 0%, 20% and 5%, respectively; a specificity of 64%, 93%, 84% and 97%, respectively; a positive predictive value of 4%, 0%, 9% and 11%, respectively; and a negative predictive value of 91%, 92%, 93% and 93%, respectively for detecting abnormalities on echocardiography. Conclusion The latest 2017 International Criteria performed the best as it had the highest specificity and positive predictive value, joint highest negative predictive value, and lowest false positive rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benji Lim
- Department of Cardiology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Baoying Lim
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Fadzil Hamzah
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ang Tee Lim
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chung Sien Ng
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Benedict Tan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Khim Leng Tong
- Department of Cardiology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
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18
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Sawczuk D, Gać P, Poręba R, Poręba M. The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases in Paralympic Athletes. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1027. [PMID: 37046954 PMCID: PMC10094457 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Paralympic participants represent a special subset of athletes. Although sudden cardiac death in this group is a rare event, it should be underlined that, in particular, Paralympians with movement restrictions have a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease. Numerous reports have focused on comparing athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the ones with non-spinal cord injury-NSCI. The first group is more prone to develop arrhythmias, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidaemia including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, and this group potentially may have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality. In ECGs of the disabled athletes with SCI, we more often find changes typically established as consequences of exercise training, such as T-wave inversions. The potential differences in the cardiovascular status of disabled athletes may depend not only on the class of impairment, but also on the discipline of sport and environmental conditions, which makes the analysis relatively complex. The paper analyses up-to-date articles discussing the cardiovascular problems in disabled athletes, pointing to scarce data in several fields of interest. Previous studies on the frequency of abnormalities of the cardiovascular system in Paralympic athletes highlighted the need to intensify preventive cardiology care for this group of athletes, and some activities could be proposed for sportsmen and sportswomen in this group, including more frequent screening ECG, application of 24 h ECG Holter monitoring, echocardiography and cardiological care. Due to the relatively few data available and existing discrepancies in this area, further research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sawczuk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Gać
- Department of Population Health, Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 7, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Poręba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Poręba
- Department of Paralympic Sports, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Witelona 25a, 51-617 Wroclaw, Poland
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19
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Petek BJ, Drezner JA, Churchill TW. The International Criteria for Electrocardiogram Interpretation in Athletes: Common Pitfalls and Future Directions. Cardiol Clin 2023; 41:35-49. [PMID: 36368810 PMCID: PMC10292923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in young athletes is performed to detect conditions associated with sudden cardiac death. Many medical societies and sports governing bodies support the addition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to the history and physical to improve PPCS sensitivity. The current standard for ECG interpretation in athletes, the International Criteria, was developed to distinguish physiologic from pathologic ECG findings in athletes. Although application of the International Criteria has reduced the PPCS false-positive rate, interpretative challenges and potential areas of improvement remain. This review provides an overview of common pitfalls and future directions for ECG interpretation in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Petek
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan A Drezner
- University of Washington Medical Center for Sports Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 3800 Montlake Boulevard Northeast, Box 354060, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Timothy W Churchill
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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20
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Ciucurel C, Iconaru EI. The Relationship between the Frontal QRS-T Angle on ECG and Physical Activity Level in Young Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2411. [PMID: 36767776 PMCID: PMC9916196 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heart's electrical activity has been the subject of numerous research concerning various physiological parameters. The frontal QRS-T angle (FQRST) is an advanced ECG variable with clinical epidemiological utility. This study aimed to determine the relationship between FQRST and physical activity exposure among young adults. METHODS We recorded the ECG with 12 leads of 124 participants (mean age 20.28 ± 2.23 years, age range 18-27 years). Next, we measured their physical activity level (PAL) with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), which categorizes activity into three classes: low, moderate, or high. RESULTS An inferential analysis, based on the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test, revealed a statistically significant difference in FQRST between the three groups of subjects, classified by their PAL (p < 0.001). We also identified a significant regression model between the body mass index (BMI) and the FQRST (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The physical activity regime of young adults significantly influences the concordance between ventricular depolarization and repolarization, reflected in the FQRST's width. Also, we found a regression model between FQRST and BMI with statistical significance.
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21
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Ujeyl A, Niederseer D. [The athlete's ECG : What is normal or abnormal?]. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2023; 34:10-18. [PMID: 36670183 PMCID: PMC9950162 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-022-00917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The electrocardiogram (ECG) has become a mobile and cost-effective routine assessment tool to risk stratify leisure-time and professional athletes during preparticipation screening. A central goal is the reduction of sudden cardiac death in sports through early recognition of the most prevalent underlying cardiac pathologies, e.g., hereditary cardiomyopathies or primary arrhythmias. METHODS Continuous evolution of the first ECG criteria for athletes, presented in 2010 by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), has helped to improve the specificity of the criteria to both detect cardiac pathologies in early stages and differentiate from physiologic adaptation of the athlete's heart. Thus, the risk of false-positive findings and erroneous stigmatizations of athletes has been successfully reduced. CONCLUSION This review article intends to trace back the changes of the ECG criteria in the light of a growing body of scientific evidence over the last 15 years, to present the key messages of the current International ECG criteria from 2017 and to identify some of the remaining challenges that wait to be answered by physicians in the field of sports medicine and sports cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaar Ujeyl
- Praxis LANS Cardio, Hamburg, Deutschland ,grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XMSc Sports Cardiology, St. George’s University of London, London, Großbritannien
| | - David Niederseer
- Klinik für Kardiologie, Universitäres Herzzentrum Zürich, Universitätsspital Zürich, Universität Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, Zürich, 8091, Schweiz.
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22
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Harris CS, Froelicher VF, Hadley D, Wheeler MT. Guide to the Female Student Athlete ECG: A Comprehensive Study of 3466 Young, Racially Diverse Athletes. Am J Med 2022; 135:1478-1487.e4. [PMID: 35981651 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is used in the preparticipation screening examination for athletes. Despite known differences in ECG findings by sex, only QTc prolongation is given a sex-specific threshold. We hypothesize that our large dataset-with diversity in age, race, and sport participation-can be utilized to improve ECG screening in female student athletes. METHODS Computerized 12-lead ECGs were recorded and analyzed in female athletes who underwent preparticipation screening examination between June 2010 and September 2021. The quantitative, empirical 2017 international criteria for electrocardiographic interpretation were compared with either the 99th percentile in our cohort or the percentile that corresponded to the known disease prevalence. RESULTS Of 3466 female athletes with ECGs as part of preparticipation screening examination, the 2017 international criteria classified 2.1% of athletes with at least one ECG abnormality requiring cardiological evaluation. Rates were similar across age, race/ethnicity, and sporting discipline. Using ranges based on our population, 2.7% of athletes would require additional workup. Surprisingly, ST depression up to 0.03 mV was a normal finding in this cohort. If RS voltage extremes were considered findings requiring follow-up, an additional 9.6% of the athlete population would be flagged using current definitions. This number decreases to 2.7% if using the 99th percentile in this cohort. CONCLUSION These results highlight a difference in the reported prevalence of ECG abnormalities when comparing empirically derived thresholds to statistically derived ranges. Consideration of new metrics specific to the female athlete population has the potential to further refine athlete ECG screening.
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23
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Lim DYZ, Ho WHH, Wang L, Ang WK, Thiagarajan N, Sng GGR, Wang H, Loo WTW, Yang LH, Chow W, Chua TJ, Yeo TJ, Lim P, Chong TTD. Wolff-Parkinson-White Presenting as QRS Alternans and Other Differential Diagnoses in a Large Pre-Participation ECG Screening Cohort. Arq Bras Cardiol 2022; 119:940-945. [PMID: 36417617 PMCID: PMC9814817 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20220081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a proarrhythmic condition that may require restriction from strenuous activities and is characterized by ECG signs, including delta waves. We observed cases of intermittent WPW patterns presenting as QRS alternans ('WPW alternans') in a large pre-participation ECG screening cohort of young men reporting for military conscription. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the WPW alternans pattern, case characteristics, and the prevalence of other relevant differential diagnoses presenting as QRS alternans in a pre-participation setting. METHODS One hundred twenty-five thousand one hundred fifty-eight prospective male military recruits were reviewed from January 2016 to December 2019. A review of electronic medical records identified cases of WPW alternans and WPW patterns or syndrome. Reviewing electronic medical records identified cases of relevant differential diagnoses that might cause QRS alternans. RESULTS Four individuals (2.2%) had WPW alternans out of 184 individuals with a final diagnosis of WPW pattern or syndrome. Two of these individuals manifested symptoms or ECG findings consistent with supraventricular tachycardia. The overall prevalence of WPW alternans was 0.003%, and the prevalence of WPW was 0.147%. WPW alternans represented 8.7% of individuals presenting with QRS alternans, and QRS alternans had a prevalence of 0.037% in the entire population. CONCLUSIONS WPW alternans is a variant of intermittent WPW, which comprised 2.2% of WPW cases in our pre-participation screening cohort. It does not necessarily indicate a low risk for supraventricular tachycardia. It must be recognized at ECG screening and distinguished from other pathologies that also present with QRS alternans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y. Z. Lim
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Wilbert H. H. Ho
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Luokai Wang
- HQ Medical CorpsSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraHQ Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura,Department of CardiologyNational Heart Centre SingaporeCingapuraDepartment of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Cingapura
| | - Wee Kiat Ang
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Nishanth Thiagarajan
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Gerald GR Sng
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Hankun Wang
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Wesley TW Loo
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Lim Huai Yang
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Weien Chow
- HQ Medical CorpsSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraHQ Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura
| | - Terrance J Chua
- Department of CardiologyNational Heart Centre SingaporeCingapuraDepartment of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Cingapura
| | - Tee Joo Yeo
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura,Department of CardiologyNational University Heart Centre SingaporeCingapuraDepartment of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Cingapura,University Medicine ClusterNational University Health SystemCingapuraUniversity Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Cingapura
| | - Paul Lim
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura,Department of CardiologyNational Heart Centre SingaporeCingapuraDepartment of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Cingapura
| | - Thuan Tee Daniel Chong
- Medical Classification CentreCentral Manpower BaseSingapore Armed ForcesCingapuraMedical Classification Centre, Central Manpower Base, Singapore Armed Forces, Cingapura,Department of CardiologyNational Heart Centre SingaporeCingapuraDepartment of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Cingapura
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24
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Singstad BJ. Norwegian Endurance Athlete ECG Database. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 3:162-166. [PMID: 36632091 PMCID: PMC9829117 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2022.3214719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Athletes often have training-induced remodeling of the heart, and this can sometimes be seen as abnormal but non-pathological changes in the electrocardiogram. However, these changes can be confused with severe cardiovascular diseases that, in some cases, can cause cardiovascular death. Electrocardiogram data from athletes is therefore important to learn more about the difference between normal athletic remodeling and pathological remodeling of the heart. This work provides a dataset of electrocardiograms from 28 Norwegian elite endurance athletes. The electrocardiograms are standard 12-lead resting ECGs, recorded for 10 seconds while the athlete's lay supine on a bench. The electrocardiograms were then interpreted by an interpretation algorithm and by a trained cardiologist. The electrocardiogram waveform data and the interpretations were stored in Python Waveform Database format and made publicly available through PhysioNet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjorn-Jostein Singstad
- Department of Computational PhysiologySimula Research Laboratory Kristian Augusts Gate 23,0164OsloNorway
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25
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La Gerche A, Wasfy MM, Brosnan MJ, Claessen G, Fatkin D, Heidbuchel H, Baggish AL, Kovacic JC. The Athlete's Heart-Challenges and Controversies: JACC Focus Seminar 4/4. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 80:1346-1362. [PMID: 36075838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regular exercise promotes structural, functional, and electrical remodeling of the heart, often referred to as the "athlete's heart," with intense endurance sports being associated with the greatest degree of cardiac remodeling. However, the extremes of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling are potentially associated with uncommon side effects. Atrial fibrillation is more common among endurance athletes and there is speculation that other arrhythmias may also be more prevalent. It is yet to be determined whether this arrhythmic susceptibility is a result of extreme exercise remodeling, genetic predisposition, or other factors. Gender may have the greatest influence on the cardiac response to exercise, but there has been far too little research directed at understanding differences in the sportsman's vs sportswoman's heart. Here in part 4 of a 4-part seminar series, the controversies and ambiguities regarding the athlete's heart, and in particular, its arrhythmic predisposition, genetic, and gender influences are reviewed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre La Gerche
- Clinical Research Domain, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Sports Cardiology, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria J Brosnan
- National Centre for Sports Cardiology, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diane Fatkin
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium; Cardiovascular Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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26
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Orchard JJ, Orchard JW, Raju H, La Gerche A, Puranik R, Davis A, Drezner JA, Semsarian C. Analysis of athlete QT intervals by age: Fridericia and Hodges heart rate corrections outperform Bazett for athlete ECG screening. J Electrocardiol 2022; 74:59-64. [PMID: 36027674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac screening of elite athletes including a 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is recommended by numerous international bodies. Current athlete ECG interpretation guidelines recommend the Bazett method to correct the QT interval (QTc). OBJECTIVE This study sought to investigate normative QTc changes by age using athlete screening ECGs and different QT correction methods in a population of elite cricketers. METHODS Initial cardiac screening ECGs from an existing database of elite Australian cricketers aged 14-35 years were examined. Average QT interval, QTcB (corrected QT-Bazett), QTcF (Fridericia), QTcH (Hodges), and heart rate (HR) were analyzed by age and sex. RESULTS A total of 1310 athletes (66% male, 34% female) were included with mean age 19.1 years and mean heart rate 66.9 bpm (range 38-121 bpm). With increasing age, HR decreased and absolute QT increased. The pattern of QTc change with age differed depending on the method of correction: Bazett correction (QTcB) demonstrated a "dish-shaped" or broad U-shaped appearance; while Fridericia and Hodges corrections showed a linear increase in QTc from young to older age. The Bazett method had a stronger correlation of HR with QTc (R2 = 0.32) than either Fridericia (R2 = 0.0007) or Hodges (R2 = 0.009) methods. CONCLUSIONS The Bazett method is not the most accurate QT correction in athletes, especially during adolescence. In elite cricketers, QTcB revealed a drop in QTc from adolescence to early adulthood due to mis-correction of the QT interval. The Fridericia method has the smoothest correction of HR and least QT variation by age and may be preferred for athlete screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Orchard
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - John W Orchard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Andre La Gerche
- Sports Cardiology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia; National Centre for Sports Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Rajesh Puranik
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angus Davis
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Chris Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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27
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Cavarretta E, Pingitore A, Della Porta S, Capitani R, Bernardi M, Sciarra L, Saglietto A, Versaci F, Autore C, Perroni F, Biondi-Zoccai G, Frati G, Peruzzi M. Accuracy of the "International Criteria" for ECG screening in athletes in comparison with previous published criteria: rationale and design of a diagnostic meta-analysis. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2022; 70:484-490. [PMID: 32996310 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.20.05347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The impact of the International Criteria for ECG interpretation in athletes has further improved the diagnostic accuracy of the 12-lead ECG use for preparticipation screening (PPS); moreover, these criteria have been evaluated in different populations of athletes and settings proving good results. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We aimed to perform a comprehensive review of the use of the International Criteria for ECG interpretation in athletes, stemming from a systematic review to diagnostic meta-analysis, limiting our inclusion only to observational studies to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ECG for detecting cardiac anomalies related to sudden cardiac death in athletes. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS This meta-analysis is expected to include several important studies related to PPS on different populations of athletes comparing different ECG criteria and detail important data on the diagnostic accuracy of ECG in PPS. Furthermore, we intend to highlight the advantage of using ECG in PPS. CONCLUSIONS The present diagnostic meta-analysis results will aid sports medicine physicians and cardiologist in adhering to the most accurate criteria for ECG evaluation in athletes and it may help to solve controversies aroused regarding the excess cost of ECG in PPS related to the amount of false positive cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy -
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy -
| | | | | | - Riccardo Capitani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bernardi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- Division of Cardiology, Casilino Polyclinic, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Camillo Autore
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Perroni
- Section of Exercise and Health Sciences, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
- Department of Angio-Cardio-Neurology, IRCCS NeuroMed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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28
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Hajduczok AG, Ruge M, Emery MS. Risk Factors for Sudden Death in Athletes, Is There a Role for Screening? CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2022; 16:97-109. [PMID: 35813032 PMCID: PMC9251040 DOI: 10.1007/s12170-022-00697-9] [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] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young athlete is an infrequent yet devastating event often associated with substantial media attention. Screening athletes for conditions associated with SCD is a controversial topic with debate surrounding virtually each component including the ideal subject, method, and performer/interpreter of such screens. In fact, major medical societies such as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology have discrepant recommendations on the matter, and major sporting associations have enacted a wide range of screening policies, highlighting the confusion on this subject. This review seeks to summarize the literature in this area to address the complex and disputed subject of screening young athletes for SCD. Recent Findings The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause myocarditis, which is one acquired cardiac disease associated with SCD. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has therefore resulted in an increased incidence of an otherwise less common condition, providing an expanded dataset for further study of this condition. Recent findings indicate that cardiac complications of athletes with myocardial involvement of SARS-CoV-2 infection are rare. Other contemporary work in SCD screening has been focused on the implementation of various screening protocols and measuring their effectiveness. Summary No universal consensus exists for athlete screening for conditions associated with SCD with varying guidelines and protocols across cardiology and sport-specific organizations. No screening program will prevent all SCD; however, small programs managed by physicians familiar with the examination of an athlete that carefully personalize screening to the individual may maximize detection of dangerous cardiac conditions while minimizing false positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Hajduczok
- Division of Cardiology, Jefferson Heart Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Max Ruge
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Michael S. Emery
- Sports Cardiology Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute; Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH Desk J2-4 USA
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29
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de Vries JT, Wiggers TGH, Goedegebuure S, Reurink G. High Number of Medical Conditions Detected in Elite Athlete Periodic Health Evaluations, But Only Mild Consequences. Clin J Sport Med 2022; 32:387-395. [PMID: 35762863 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the number of medical conditions detected by periodic health evaluations (PHEs) in elite athletes, and their consequences for management and medical clearance. DESIGN Retrospective design. PARTICIPANTS Elite athletes of various sports in a high-performance program in The Netherlands, in the period between 2009 and 2020. INTERVENTIONS The PHEs consisted of a questionnaire, general and musculoskeletal physical examination, laboratory blood test, electrocardiogram, pulmonary function testing, and (cardiopulmonary) exercise test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We extracted and analyzed the medical conditions that led to advice, clinical follow-up, further diagnostic investigation or treatment, and the medical clearance status of the athlete (clearance, temporarily no clearance, or permanently no clearance). RESULTS We included 721 PHEs of 451 elite athletes. We found 1389 medical conditions that led to advice (n = 923, 66%), clinical follow-up (n = 124, 9%), further diagnostic investigation (n = 190, 14%), treatment (n = 132, 10%), or sports restriction (n = 20, 1%). Only 20 cases (3%) led to temporarily no medical clearance. After further investigation or treatment, no permanent sports restriction was imposed on any of the athletes. CONCLUSIONS We found a high number of medical conditions detected with a PHE in elite athletes. However, the vast majority of detected conditions were mild, with consequences limited to preventive advice and follow-up. The yield of PHE to detect (potentially) severe pathological conditions seems low. Clinical relevance of PHE in elite athletes and potential future health benefits remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse T de Vries
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Sports Physician Group, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Tom G H Wiggers
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Sports Physician Group, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
| | - Simon Goedegebuure
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Sports Physician Group, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
- Amsterdam Centre of Evidence Based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guus Reurink
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Sports Physician Group, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
- Amsterdam Centre of Evidence Based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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30
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The Impact of Ethnicity on Athlete ECG Interpretation: A Systematic Review. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9060183. [PMID: 35735812 PMCID: PMC9225578 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9060183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Athlete ECG interpretation criteria have been developed and refined from research in athlete populations; however, current guidelines are based on available data primarily from Caucasian and Black athletes. This study aimed to assess the impact of ethnicity on ECG interpretation in athletes. A systematic review was conducted of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases, for papers that assessed athlete screening ECGs and compared findings on the basis of ethnicity. Fifty-one papers which compared ECGs from various ethnicities were included. Most studies assessed Black athletes against Caucasian athletes and found a greater prevalence of T-wave inversion (TWI) (2.6–22.8% vs. 0–5.0%) and anterior TWI (3.7–14.3% vs. 0.6–2.0%). Black athlete subgroups in Africa had TWI (20–40%) and anterior TWI (4.3–18.7%) at a higher prevalence than other Black athletes. Athletes who were defined as mixed-race, Asian, and Pacific Islander are potentially more like Black athletes than Caucasian athletes. Black ethnicity is known to have an impact on the accurate interpretation of athlete ECGs; however, there is nuance related to origin of both parents. Asian and Pacific Islander origin also may impact athlete ECG interpretation. Further research is required to assist in distinguishing abnormal and normal athlete ECGs in different ethnic populations.
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Evaluation of a Preparticipation Cardiovascular Screening Program Among 1,686 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes: Comparison of the Seattle, Refined, and International Electrocardiogram Screening Criteria. Clin J Sport Med 2022; 32:306-312. [PMID: 32487874 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To: (1) analyze the results of 5 years of preparticipation cardiac screening including 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes; and (2) assess the rates of ECG screening abnormalities and false-positive rates among 3 ECG screening criteria. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I University. PARTICIPANTS One thousand six hundred eighty-six first-year athletes presenting for their preparticipation examination including 12-lead resting ECG. INTERVENTIONS At the completion of the study period, all ECGs were retrospectively reviewed using the Seattle, Refined, and International Criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Prevalence of pathologic cardiac conditions identified by screening; and (2) number of ECG screening abnormalities by criteria. RESULTS Three athletes (0.2%) were found to have conditions that are associated with sudden cardiac death. Retrospective review of ECGs using Seattle, Refined, and International criteria revealed an abnormal ECG rate of 3.0%, 2.1%, and 1.8%, respectively. International criteria [odds ratios (OR), 0.58; P = 0.02] demonstrated a lower false-positive rate compared with the Seattle criteria. There was no significant difference in false-positive rates between the Seattle and Refined (OR, 0.68; P = 0.09) or the International and Refined criteria (OR, 0.85; P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS There was a low rate of significant cardiac pathology in this population, and no athletes were permanently restricted from play as a result of screening. Our results suggest that the International criteria have the lowest false-positive rate of athlete-specific ECG criteria, and thus, it is the preferred method for preparticipation ECG screening in NCAA athletes.
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Patel P, Thompson PD. Diagnosing COVID-19 myocarditis in athletes using cMRI. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2022; 32:146-150. [PMID: 34954013 PMCID: PMC8695309 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An early report during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak noted myocardial involvement with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels >99th percentile in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients. Patients with cTnI elevations had higher in-hospital mortality. Additionally, myocarditis is associated with exercise-related sudden cardiac death in athletes. Therefore, reports of COVID-19 myocarditis concerned the sports cardiology community, which issued two guidelines on managing athletes with COVID-19 infection. We reviewed reports of myocardial involvement in athletes after COVID-19 infection published before June 2021. The incidence of the diagnosis of myocarditis in athletes post-COVID-19 ranged from 0 to 15.4% based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) performed 10 to 194 days after initial diagnosis of COVID-19. Only a few studies adhered to accepted myocarditis diagnostic guidelines and only two studies included a control group of uninfected athletes. There was significant heterogeneity in the method and protocols used in evaluating athletes post-COVID-19. The incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis in athletes appears to be over-diagnosed. The evaluation of myocarditis post-COVID-19 should be individually performed and managed according to the current guidelines. This can potentially prevent needless training restrictions and the inability to participate in competitive sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Patel
- Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, United States.
| | - Paul D Thompson
- Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, United States.
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Yeo TJ, Wang M, Grignani R, McKinney J, Koh LP, Tan FHY, Chan GCT, Tay N, Chan SP, Lee CH, Oxborough D, Malhotra A, Sharma S, Richards AM. Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Insights From a Prospective Registry of Asian Elite Athletes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:799129. [PMID: 35047579 PMCID: PMC8761771 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.799129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Asian representation in sport is increasing, yet there remains a lack of reference values for the Asian athlete's heart. Consequently, current guidelines for cardiovascular screening recommend using Caucasian athletes' norms to evaluate Asian athletes. This study aims to outline electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of the Asian athlete's heart using a Singaporean prospective registry of Southeast (SE) Asian athletes. Methods and Results: One hundred and fifty elite athletes, mean age of 26.1 ± 5.7 years (50% males, 88% Chinese), were evaluated using a questionnaire, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiogram. All ECGs were analyzed using the 2017 International Recommendations. Echocardiographic data were presented by gender and sporting discipline. The prevalence of abnormal ECGs among SE Asian athletes was 6.7%—higher than reported figures for Caucasian athletes. The abnormal ECGs comprised mainly anterior T wave inversions (ATWI) beyond lead V2, predominantly in female athletes from mixed/endurance sport (9.3% prevalence amongst females). None had echocardiographic structural abnormalities. Male athletes had reduced global longitudinal strain compared to females (−18.7 ± 1.6 vs. −20.7 ± 2.1%, p < 0.001). Overall, SE Asian athletes had smaller left ventricular cavity sizes and wall thickness compared to non-Asian athletes. Conclusion: SE Asian athletes have higher abnormal ECG rates compared to Caucasian athletes, and also demonstrate structural differences that should be accounted for when interpreting their echocardiograms compared to athletes of other ethnicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tee Joo Yeo
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mingchang Wang
- National University Hospital Sports Centre, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robert Grignani
- Department of Paediatrics, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - James McKinney
- SportsCardiologyBC, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lay Pheng Koh
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Frankie Hun Yau Tan
- Sport Science and Medicine Centre, Singapore Sport Institute, Sport Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gregory Chung Tsing Chan
- Sport Science and Medicine Centre, Singapore Sport Institute, Sport Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nigel Tay
- Family Medicine Department, Cavendish Doctors, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Siew-Pang Chan
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chi-Hang Lee
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Oxborough
- Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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MacLachlan H, Dhutia H, Bhatia R, Boden K, Forenc K, Basu J, Miles C, Osborne R, Chandra N, Malhotra A, Stuart G, Peirce N, Sharma S, Papadakis M. Results of a nationally implemented cardiac screening programme in elite cricket players in England and Wales. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 25:287-292. [PMID: 35016820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assessed the diagnostic yield and costs of an electrocardiogram-based national screening programme in elite cricket players and the incremental value of transthoracic echocardiography and periodic evaluation. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Between 2008 and 2019, 1208 cricketers underwent screening with a health questionnaire, 12-lead electrocardiogram and cardiology consultation. Athletes with concerning findings underwent on-site transthoracic echocardiography and further investigations as necessary. In addition, despite a normal health questionnaire and electrocardiogram, 342 (28.3%) athletes had a transthoracic echocardiogram and 493 (40.8%) underwent repeat evaluations. RESULTS After initial evaluation, 47 (3.9%) athletes underwent on-site transthoracic echocardiography of whom 35 (2.8%) were referred for further evaluation. Four athletes (0.3%) were diagnosed with major cardiac conditions; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1), arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (n = 1) and Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern (n = 2). Two athletes were identified with minor valvular abnormalities. Repeat evaluation of 493 athletes identified hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a 22-year-old athlete, two years after his initial normal screening. During a follow-up of 5.8 ± 2.9 years no additional diagnoses or adverse cardiac events were reported. The cost of the electrocardiogram-based programme was £127,844, translating to £106 per athlete and £25,569 per major cardiac condition identified.Routine transthoracic echocardiography in 342 athletes identified two athletes with major cardiac conditions (bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortopathy and aortic regurgitation and an atrial septal defect associated with right ventricular volume overload) and 10 athletes with minor abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS An electrocardiogram-based national screening programme identified a major cardiac condition in 0.3% of athletes. Routine transthoracic echocardiography and periodic evaluation increased the diagnostic yield to 0.6%, at an incremental cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- H MacLachlan
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - H Dhutia
- Department of Cardiology, Glenfield Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - R Bhatia
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - K Boden
- England and Wales Cricket Board and National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine and National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
| | - K Forenc
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - J Basu
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - C Miles
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - R Osborne
- Cardiac Risk in the Young, United Kingdom
| | - N Chandra
- Department of Cardiology, Frimley Park Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - A Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - G Stuart
- National Institute of Health Research Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol Heart Institute, United Kingdom
| | - N Peirce
- England and Wales Cricket Board and National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine and National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
| | - S Sharma
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - M Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom.
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35
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Attia ZI, Harmon DM, Behr ER, Friedman PA. Application of artificial intelligence to the electrocardiogram. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:4717-4730. [PMID: 34534279 PMCID: PMC8500024 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has given the electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinicians reading them super-human diagnostic abilities. Trained without hard-coded rules by finding often subclinical patterns in huge datasets, AI transforms the ECG, a ubiquitous, non-invasive cardiac test that is integrated into practice workflows, into a screening tool and predictor of cardiac and non-cardiac diseases, often in asymptomatic individuals. This review describes the mathematical background behind supervised AI algorithms, and discusses selected AI ECG cardiac screening algorithms including those for the detection of left ventricular dysfunction, episodic atrial fibrillation from a tracing recorded during normal sinus rhythm, and other structural and valvular diseases. The ability to learn from big data sets, without the need to understand the biological mechanism, has created opportunities for detecting non-cardiac diseases as COVID-19 and introduced challenges with regards to data privacy. Like all medical tests, the AI ECG must be carefully vetted and validated in real-world clinical environments. Finally, with mobile form factors that allow acquisition of medical-grade ECGs from smartphones and wearables, the use of AI may enable massive scalability to democratize healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachi I Attia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - David M Harmon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiology Research Center and Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London and St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Rd, London SW17 0QT, UK
- Mayo Clinic Healthcare, 15 Portland Pl, London W1B 1PT, UK
| | - Paul A Friedman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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36
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Palmisano A, Darvizeh F, Cundari G, Rovere G, Ferrandino G, Nicoletti V, Cilia F, De Vizio S, Palumbo R, Esposito A, Francone M. Advanced cardiac imaging in athlete's heart: unravelling the grey zone between physiologic adaptation and pathology. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2021; 126:1518-1531. [PMID: 34420142 PMCID: PMC8380417 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-021-01411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, interest toward athlete's heart has progressively increased, leading to improve the knowledge on exercise-induced heart modifications. Sport may act as a trigger for life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with structural or electrical abnormalities, hence requiring to improve the diagnostic capability to differentiate physiological from pathological remodeling. Pathological alterations are often subtle at the initial stages; therefore, the challenge is to promptly identify athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death during the pre-participation screening protocols. Advanced imaging modalities such as coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can non-invasively depict coronary vessels and provide a deep morpho-functional and structural characterization of the myocardium, in order to rule out pathological life threatening alterations, which may overlap with athletes' heart remodeling. The purpose of the present narrative review is to provide an overview of most frequent diagnostic challenges, defining the boundaries between athlete's heart remodeling and pathological structural alteration with a focus on the role and importance of CCTA and CMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palmisano
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Darvizeh
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cundari
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rovere
- Department of Radiological and Hematological Sciences -Section of Radiology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Nicoletti
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cilia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Vizio
- Department of Radiological and Hematological Sciences -Section of Radiology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Palumbo
- School of Radiology, Campus BioMedico Univerisity, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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37
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Differences in American Athletes Undergoing Preparticipation Examination by Sex, Participation Level, and Age. Clin J Sport Med 2021; 31:e432-e441. [PMID: 32073474 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the preparticipation examination findings among American athletes by sex, participation level, and age. DESIGN Hypothesis-generating retrospective cohort study. SETTING Saint-Luke's Athletic Heart Center, Kansas City, Missouri. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2954 student athletes. INTERVENTIONS Athletes underwent preparticipation examination, which included history and physical, electrocardiogram, and 2-D transthoracic echocardiogram. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differences noted on screening preparticipation examination by sex, participation level, and age. RESULTS Female athletes reported more symptoms than male athletes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-1.97; P < 0.0001) but had lower prevalence of abnormal electrocardiogram (OR 0.52; CI, 0.39-0.68; P < 0.0001). College athletes reported fewer symptoms than novice athletes (OR 0.35; CI, 0.29-0.43; P < 0.0001) with no difference in the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) (OR 0.96; CI, 0.73-1.26; P = 0.78). Older athletes reported fewer symptoms than younger athletes (OR 0.61; CI, 0.52-0.71; P < 0.0001) with no difference in the prevalence of abnormal ECG (OR 1.00; CI, 0.81-1.23; P = 0.89). There were 43 athletes with clinically important findings with no difference in prevalence of these findings across sex, participation level, and age. CONCLUSIONS Among this American cohort of athletes, male athletes reported fewer symptoms and had higher prevalence of abnormal ECG findings compared with female athletes. College and older athletes reported fewer symptoms and had no difference in prevalence of abnormal ECG findings compared with novice and younger athletes, respectively. Despite these differences between groups, the prevalence of clinically important findings was comparable among groups.
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38
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Siontis KC, Liu K, Bos JM, Attia ZI, Cohen-Shelly M, Arruda-Olson AM, Zanjirani Farahani N, Friedman PA, Noseworthy PA, Ackerman MJ. Detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by an artificial intelligence electrocardiogram in children and adolescents. Int J Cardiol 2021; 340:42-47. [PMID: 34419527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no established screening approach for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We recently developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model for the detection of HCM based on the 12‑lead electrocardiogram (AI-ECG) in adults. Here, we aimed to validate this approach of ECG-based HCM detection in pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years). METHODS We identified a cohort of 300 children and adolescents with HCM (mean age 12.5 ± 4.6 years, male 68%) who had an ECG and echocardiogram at our institution. Patients were age- and sex-matched to 18,439 non-HCM controls. Diagnostic performance of the AI-ECG model for the detection of HCM was estimated using the previously identified optimal diagnostic threshold of 11% (the probability output derived by the model above which an ECG is considered to belong to an HCM patient). RESULTS Mean AI-ECG probabilities of HCM were 92% and 5% in the case and control groups, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the AI-ECG model for HCM detection was 0.98 (95% CI 0.98-0.99) with corresponding sensitivity 92% and specificity 95%. The positive and negative predictive values were 22% and 99%, respectively. The model performed similarly in males and females and in genotype-positive and genotype-negative HCM patients. Performance tended to be superior with increasing age. In the age subgroup <5 years, the test's AUC was 0.93. In comparison, the AUC was 0.99 in the age subgroup 15-18 years. CONCLUSIONS A deep-learning, AI model can detect pediatric HCM with high accuracy from the standard 12‑lead ECG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos C Siontis
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Kan Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - J Martijn Bos
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Zachi I Attia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Michal Cohen-Shelly
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | | | | | - Paul A Friedman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Peter A Noseworthy
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
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39
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Morrison B, Mohammad A, Oxborough D, Somauroo J, Lindsay S, Drane AL, Shave R, George K. The 12-lead electrocardiogram of the elite female footballer as defined by different interpretation criteria across the competitive season. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1475-1483. [PMID: 34374331 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1966103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTPre-participation screening (PPS), using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), is recommended to identify athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). ECG interpretation criteria have been developed to address the concern arising from high false-positives in athletes. There are limited ECG data in elite female footballers. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the ECG outcomes using three published ECG criteria (European Society of Cardiology [ESC], Seattle, International) in elite female footballers and (2) compare ECG data at three different stages of a competitive season. Eighty-one elite female footballers (21 ± 4 yr) completed a medical assessment, anthropometrics, resting blood pressure and a resting 12-lead ECG. Each 12-lead ECG was interpreted in accordance with (1) ESC; (2) Seattle; (3) International Criteria to determine training-related and non-training-related ECG changes. A subset of thirteen (26 ± 4 yr) footballers had repeated resting ECG tests at three time points across the competitive season. Eighty percent of females had training-related ECG patterns. Sinus bradycardia (65%) and early repolarization (42%) were the most common. Using the ESC Criteria 25% (20/81) of the athletes were considered to have an abnormal ECG, compared to 0% using the Seattle and International Criteria, mainly due to alterations in QT length criteria. There were no clinically significant differences in ECG data across a competitive season. The Seattle and International ECG Criteria significantly reduced the number of ECG false-positives in elite female footballers and the time point of PPS within a competitive season is unlikely to alter the PPS outcomes.Abbreviations: AMSSM: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine; ANOVA: Analysis of Variance; BSA: Body Surface Area; ECG: Electrocardiogram; ESC: European Society of Cardiology; FA: Football Association; FIFA: The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA); F-MARC: FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre; LAE: Left atrial enlargement; LVH: Left ventricular hypertrophy; PPS: Pre-participation screening; SCD: Sudden cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Morrison
- Sports Cardiology BC, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Aleah Mohammad
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - John Somauroo
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah Lindsay
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Aimee L Drane
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rob Shave
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Canada
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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40
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Husaini M, Dineen EH, Prutkin JM. Representation matters: The importance of obtaining diverse ECG normative data from non-Caucasian athletes. J Electrocardiol 2021; 68:46-47. [PMID: 34325104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Husaini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Dineen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jordan M Prutkin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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41
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Ilodibia TF, Odia JO. Evaluation of the Seattle and International Criteria in elite Nigerian athletes. J Electrocardiol 2021; 68:14-23. [PMID: 34273803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Seattle Criteria (SC) and International Criteria (IC) were both developed for cardiovascular pre-participation screening in young athletes. Neither set of Criteria has been systematically evaluated in high level indigenous black African athletes. OBJECTIVES (1) To determine the pattern of ECG findings in athletes of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; (2) To determine the predictors of altered repolarization in these athletes; and (3) To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the SC and IC in these athletes. METHODS 77 athletes (42 males, 35 females) without any known cardiovascular disease were recruited alongside 78 similarly healthy non-athletic controls (44 males, 34 females). The two groups were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Clinical assessment was according to the Lausanne Recommendations. All subjects underwent electrocardiography and echocardiography. Analysis with the IC was retrospective. RESULTS The most common physiological finding in the athletes was sinus bradycardia (n = 37; 48.1%). Early repolarization pattern, ERP (n = 27, 35.1% with SC; n = 42, 54.5% with IC), and dome-shaped ST-segment elevation with T-wave inversion (DSSTWI) in leads V1-4 (n = 21, 29.3% with both criteria), were also prevalent. Compared to controls, only male sex (adjusted odds ratio 2.89, 1.05 to 7.97, p = .040 with SC; OR 2.57, 1.19 to 5.53, p = .016 with IC) and ECG LVH (OR 2.82, 1.18 to 6.75, p = .020 with SC alone) independently predicted ERP, while athletic status (OR 4.76, 1.66 to 13.68, p = .004 with both criteria) alone had a significant multivariate association with DSSTWI. Three athletes (3.9%) had abnormal ECGs while two (2.6%) had major echocardiographic abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SC for structural cardiac disease in the athletes were 50.0% (1.3 to 98.7), 97.3% (90.7 to 99.7) and 96.1% (89.0 to 99.2) respectively. The respective figures for the IC were 50.0% (1.3 to 98.7), 98.7% (92.8 to 100) and 97.4% (90.9 to 99.7). CONCLUSION Both criteria showed high accuracy in this Black African cohort with a high frequency of electrocardiographic repolarization changes. While ERP seems to be primarily related to black ethnicity, DSSTWI appears to be a bona fide marker of Athlete's Heart in blacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tochukwu F Ilodibia
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, East-West Road, Opposite Alakahia Junction, Rivers State, PMB, 6173, Nigeria.
| | - James O Odia
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, East-West Road, Opposite Alakahia Junction, Rivers State, PMB, 6173, Nigeria
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Erickson CC, Salerno JC, Berger S, Campbell R, Cannon B, Christiansen J, Moffatt K, Pflaumer A, Snyder CS, Srinivasan C, Valdes SO, Vetter VL, Zimmerman F. Sudden Death in the Young: Information for the Primary Care Provider. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-052044. [PMID: 34155130 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple conditions that can make children prone to having a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD). Efforts have been made by multiple organizations to screen children for cardiac conditions, but the emphasis has been on screening before athletic competition. This article is an update of the previous American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement of 2012 that addresses prevention of SCA and SCD. This update includes a comprehensive review of conditions that should prompt more attention and cardiology evaluation. The role of the primary care provider is of paramount importance in the evaluation of children, particularly as they enter middle school or junior high. There is discussion about whether screening should find any cardiac condition or just those that are associated with SCA and SCD. This update reviews the 4 main screening questions that are recommended, not just for athletes, but for all children. There is also discussion about how to handle post-SCA and SCD situations as well as discussion about genetic testing. It is the goal of this policy statement update to provide the primary care provider more assistance in how to screen for life-threatening conditions, regardless of athletic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Erickson
- Children's Specialty Physicians, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska .,Creighton University Medical Center, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jack C Salerno
- Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stuart Berger
- Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert Campbell
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center and School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - James Christiansen
- Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kody Moffatt
- Children's Specialty Physicians, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andreas Pflaumer
- The Royal Children's Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher S Snyder
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chandra Srinivasan
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas and The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Santiago O Valdes
- Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Victoria L Vetter
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Findings in Black Athletes: A General Review. Clin J Sport Med 2021; 31:321-329. [PMID: 31233430 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in regular physical activity produces electrophysiological and structural cardiac changes in electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiographs (ECHOs) of athletes, and the term "athlete's heart" is used to describe these physiological cardiovascular adaptations. Extent and type of sporting discipline, age, sex, body dimensions, and ethnicity have an influence on cardiac remodeling. OBJECTIVE As the recent scientific literature increasingly reports on ethnicity-specific ECG and ECHO findings in black athletes, it is the aim of this review to provide an overview of ECG and ECHO findings among athletes of black African/Afro-Caribbean descent. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases up to and including August 2017 was conducted using the following terms/phrases "black OR African OR Afro-Caribbean athlete heart," "black OR African OR Afro-Caribbean athlete electrocardiogram," and "black OR African OR Afro-Caribbean athlete echocardiogram." The search generated a total of 130 papers, out of which 16 original articles fitted our criteria and were selected for this review. MAIN RESULTS The various studies reviewed revealed that about 10% to 30% of black African/Afro-Caribbean athletes had abnormal ECG. R/S voltage criteria exceeding hypertrophic indices were found in about 60% to 89% of black African/Afro-Caribbean athletes. ST-segment elevation (17%-90%) and T-wave inversions were also common findings among this ethnicity. About 10% to 12% of black African/Afro-Caribbean athletes had a left ventricular wall thickness ranging from 13 to 15 mm. Cavity dimensions ranged from 40 to 66 mm in black African/Afro-Caribbean athletes with a relative wall thickness >0.44. CONCLUSIONS Updated ethnic-specific guidelines are required to discriminate physiological from pathologic hypertrophy and repolarization changes. Future studies should focus on homogeneous cohorts of African athletes.
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Lasocka Z, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A, Kaleta AM, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Faran A, Szołkiewicz E, Przybyłowski K, Szołkiewicz A, Daniluk P, Raczak G, Lewicka E. Electrocardiographic Changes in Male and Female Amateur Marathon Runners: A Comparison Study. Int J Sports Med 2021; 42:936-944. [PMID: 33621993 DOI: 10.1055/a-1323-3215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Physical training is gaining popularity among amateurs. Males and females exhibit different cardiac adaptation to exercise. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities before and after the marathon between sexes. 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed in 40 male (39±8 years) and 27 female (40±7 years) amateur runners: 2-3 weeks before (Stage 1) and immediately after (Stage 2) the marathon. Abnormalities in the resting (Stage 1) and exercise (Stage 2) electrocardiograms were compared between sexes. At rest left atrial enlargement was more frequent in females than males (48 vs. 20%; p<0.05). The incidence of right atrial enlargement was significantly more common at Stage 2 than 1, both in men (43 vs. 0%; p<0.001) and in women (48 vs. 4%; p=0.001). Significant increase of P-wave amplitude was found in male runners after the marathon (0.12±0.05 vs. 0.21±0.09 mV; p<0.001 Stage 1 vs. 2), but was absent in females. QTc prolongation was observed in both sexes, however to a higher degree in males (p<0.05 for the interaction stage and sex). Although both male and female amateur marathon runners exhibit abnormalities in resting and exercise electrocardiograms, men present more exercise-induced electrocardiographic changes, which might indicate a higher propensity for post-marathon arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic screening in amateurs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Maria Kaleta
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Faran
- University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Szołkiewicz
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Krystian Przybyłowski
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alicja Szołkiewicz
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Paulina Daniluk
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Dhutia H, Malhotra A, Finocchiaro G, Parpia S, Bhatia R, D'Silva A, Gati S, Mellor G, Narain R, Chandra N, Behr E, Tome M, Papadakis M, Sharma S. Diagnostic yield and financial implications of a nationwide electrocardiographic screening programme to detect cardiac disease in the young. Europace 2021; 23:1295-1301. [PMID: 33570096 PMCID: PMC8350863 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims There is limited information on the role of screening with electrocardiography (ECG)
for identifying cardiovascular diseases associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a
non-select group of adolescents and young adults in the general population. Methods and results Between 2012 and 2014, 26 900 young individuals (aged 14–35 years) were prospectively
evaluated with a health questionnaire and ECG. Individuals with abnormal results
underwent secondary investigations, the costs of which were being based on the UK
National Health Service tariffs. Six hundred and seventy-five (2.5%) individuals
required further investigation for an abnormal health questionnaire, 2175 (8.1%) for an
abnormal ECG, and 114 (0.5%) for both. Diseases associated with young SCD were
identified in 88 (0.3%) individuals of which 15 (17%) were detected with the health
questionnaire, 72 (81%) with ECG and 2 (2%) with both. Forty-nine (56%) of these
individuals received medical intervention beyond lifestyle modification advice in the
follow-up period of 24 months. The overall cost of the evaluation process was €97 per
person screened, €17 834 per cardiovascular disease detected, and €29 588 per
cardiovascular disease associated with SCD detected. Inclusion of ECG was associated
with a 36% cost reduction per diagnosis of diseases associated with SCD compared with
the health questionnaire alone. Conclusion The inclusion of an ECG to a health questionnaire is associated with a five-fold
increase in the ability to detect disease associated with SCD in young individuals and
is more cost effective for detecting serious disease compared with screening with a
health questionnaire alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshil Dhutia
- Department of Cardiology, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK.,Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Sameer Parpia
- Ontario Clinical Oncology Group, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Raghav Bhatia
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Andrew D'Silva
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Sabiha Gati
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Greg Mellor
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Rajay Narain
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Navin Chandra
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Elijah Behr
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Maite Tome
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London University of London, UK
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46
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Petek BJ, Baggish AL. Pre-participation Cardiovascular Screening in Young Competitive Athletes. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2021; 8:77-89. [PMID: 33552703 DOI: 10.1007/s40138-020-00214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review was to highlight the current recommendations, data, and limitations for methods of cardiovascular screening in athletes. Recent Findings While the history and physical (H&P) alone remains the cornerstone for preparticipation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in athletes, the advent of modern electrocardiographic (ECG) screening criteria has drastically increased sensitivity and decreased false positive rates for screening. Advanced imaging techniques remain an important component of secondary testing after an athlete has an abnormal initial screening exam, however, the use of imaging for universal screening has not been rigorously tested to date. Current disqualification guidelines have now begun to emphasize shared decision making between the provider and athlete in situations of clinical equipoise. Summary All major medical and sporting societies recommend PPCS using a focused medical history and physical examination for all competitive athletes, but there remains controversy about the role of ECG and advanced imaging in PPCS. Future research should focus on the creation of a randomized trial that is powered for mortality that can truly assess the utility of PPCS in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Performance Program
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47
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Augustine DX, Keteepe-Arachi T, Malhotra A. Coronavirus Disease 2019: Cardiac Complications and Considerations for Returning to Sports Participation. Eur Cardiol 2021; 16:e03. [PMID: 33708264 PMCID: PMC7941378 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2020.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. While the majority of symptoms and morbidity relate to the lung, cardiac complications have been well reported and confer increased mortality. Many countries in Europe have passed the peak of the pandemic and adaptations are being made as we progress towards a 'new normal'. As part of this, governments have been planning strategies for the return of elite sports. This article summarises the potential implications of COVID-19 for athletes returning to sport, including common cardiac complications of the disease; consensus recommendations for the return to sport after having COVID-19; and international recommendations for the management of cardiac pathology that may occur as a result of COVID-19. The authors also examine the potential overlap of pathology with physiological change seen in athletes' hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation TrustBath, UK
- Department for Health, University of BathBath, UK
| | | | - Aneil Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchester, UK
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48
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Pelliccia A, Quattrini FM, Cavarretta E, Squeo MR, Adami PE, Di Paolo FM, Spataro A, Bernardi M. Physiologic and Clinical Features of the Paralympic Athlete's Heart. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:30-39. [PMID: 32965484 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2020.4306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Importance Paralympic medicine is a newly adopted term to describe the varied health care issues associated with athletes in the Paralympics. Scarce scientific data, however, are currently available describing the cardiac remodeling in Paralympic athletes. Objective To investigate the physiological and clinical characteristics of the Paralympic athlete's heart and derive the normative values. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a single-center study on a relatively large cohort of Paralympic athletes, conducted at the Italian Institute of Sport Medicine and Science. Paralympic athletes free of cardiac or systemic pathologic conditions other than their cause of disability were selected for participation in the Paralympic Games from January 2000 to June 2014. Athletes were arbitrarily classified for disability in 2 groups: those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and those with non-SCI (NSCI). Data analysis occurred from March 2019 to June 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the difference in cardiac remodeling in Paralympic athletes according to disability type and sports discipline type. Athletes underwent cardiac evaluation, including 12-lead and exercise electrocardiograms, echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results Among 252 consecutive Paralympic athletes (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age, 34 [29-41] years; 188 men [74.6%]), 110 had SCI and 142 had NSCI. Those with SCI showed a higher prevalence of abnormal electrocardiogram findings than those with NSCI (13 of 110 [11.8%] vs 6 of 142 [4.2%]; P = .003), smaller left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (median [IQR], 48 [46-52] vs 51 [48-54] mm; P = .001) and left ventricular mass index (median [IQR], 80.6 [69-94] vs 91.3 [80-108] g/m2; P = .001), and lower peak oxygen uptake (VO2) (median [IQR], 27.1 [2-34] vs 38.5 [30-47] mL/min/kg; P = .001) in comparison with those with NSCI. Regarding sport discipline, endurance athletes had a larger left ventricular cavity (median [IQR], 52 [47-54] vs 49 [47-53] mm; P = .006) and higher peak VO2 (median [IQR], 46 [39-55] vs 30 [25-35] mL/min/kg; P = .001) than athletes in nonendurance sports. Conclusions and Relevance Cardiac remodeling in Paralympic athletes differed by disability and sport discipline. Having NSCI lesions and engaging in endurance sports were associated with the largest left ventricular cavity and left ventricular mass and highest VO2 peak. Having SCI lesions and engaging in nonendurance disciplines, on the contrary, were associated with the smallest left ventricular cavity and mass and lowest VO2 peak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Sport e Salute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.,Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Emilio Adami
- Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Sport e Salute, Rome, Italy.,Health and Science Department, International Association of Athletics Federations, Monaco
| | | | - Antonio Spataro
- Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Sport e Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bernardi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Italian Wheelchair Basketball Federation (Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro in Carrozzina), Rome, Italy.,Italian Paralympic Committee, Rome, Italy
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49
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D'Ascenzi F, Biella F, Lemme E, Maestrini V, Di Giacinto B, Pelliccia A. Female Athlete's Heart: Sex Effects on Electrical and Structural Remodeling. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:e011587. [PMID: 33317335 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.120.011587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of our knowledge on training-induced cardiac remodeling is derived from men, with the paucity of data from women representing an important gap in knowledge. The aim of the study was to define the electrocardiographic and morphological features of female athlete's heart, with special attention to differences related to sex and sport. METHODS Seven hundred twenty Olympic athletes (360 females and 360 age- and sport-matched males, mean age: 23±5 years) were evaluated by clinical, resting, and exercise electrocardiography and echocardiography. RESULTS Anterior T-wave inversion was more common in females than males (P<0.05). Left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and LV mass were greater in men (P<0.001). Females had smaller absolute but greater indexed LV and right ventricular (RV) dimensions as compared to males. Most women had normal LV geometry (80.8%). A progressive increase in LV/RV dimensions was observed in women from those engaged in skill, power, to mixed and endurance disciplines, with the endurance ones demonstrating the greatest degree of RV dilatation. Women had a peculiar biventricular adaptation, with higher LV/RV (1.41±0.16 versus 1.36±0.15, P<0.0001) and lower RV inflow/outflow ratio (P<0.001), as compared to men. CONCLUSIONS Sex significantly affects cardiac remodeling in athletes, with females presenting a different electrical and structural remodeling. Women maintain a normal LV geometry, with relative larger increase of cavity dimensions compared with men. Type of sport has a relevant impact, with endurance athletes exhibiting the greatest degree of RV and LV dimensional remodeling. The present study confirms the need for a sex-based approach for interpreting the complex features of athlete's heart in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy (F.D.)
| | - Federico Biella
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Erika Lemme
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Viviana Maestrini
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Barbara Di Giacinto
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
| | - Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy (F.B., E.L., V.M., B.D.G., A.P.)
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50
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Abela M, Sharma S. Electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2020; 69:533-556. [PMID: 33059398 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.20.05331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Participation in regular exercise of moderate intensity is associated with a plethora of systemic benefits, including a reduction in risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis; however, intensive exercise may paradoxically culminate in sudden cardiac arrest among individuals harboring arrhythmogenic substrates. The precise mechanism for arrhythmogenesis is likely multifactorial, however, surges in catecholamines, electrolyte shifts, acid-base disturbances, increased core temperature and demand myocardial ischemia are potential contributors. Although most deaths occur in middle aged and older males with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, a significant proportion also affect young athletes with inherited or congenital cardiac abnormalities. The impact of such catastrophes on society, particularly when a young high-profile athlete is affected could be considered a justified reason for identifying individuals who may be at risk. Given the rarity of deaths in young athletes, only the simplest screening test, such as the 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) may be considered to be cost effective. The ECG is effective for detecting serious electrical diseases in young athletes such as congenital electrical accessory pathways and ion channel diseases but can also identify athletes with potential life-threatening structural diseases such as hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. One of the concerns about ECG screening is that regular intensive exercise results in several physiological alterations in cardiac structure and function that are reflected on the athlete's ECG. Sinus bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular block, incomplete right bundle branch block, minor J-point elevation and large QRS voltages are common. Conversely, some repolarization anomalies affecting the ST segment, T waves and QT interval may overlap with patterns observed in patients with serious cardiac diseases. The situation is complicated further because age, sex and ethnicity of the athletes also influence the ECG and there is a risk that erroneous interpretation could have serious consequences. This review will describe the normal electrical patterns of the "athlete's heart" and provide insights into differentiation physiological electrical patterns from those observed in serious cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abela
- Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta - .,Malta Medical School, University of Malta, Msida, Malta - .,St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University, London, UK -
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University, London, UK
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