Predictors of gain in exercise capacity through cardiac rehabilitation: Sex and age matter

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention that improves cardiovascular outcomes. However, the determinants of treatment success are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sex, age, employment status and housing situation with improvement in exercise capacity throughout CR.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 392 CR outpatients (81% men and 19% women). Exercise capacity at baseline and upon completion of the program was measured with the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). HRQoL at CR entry was assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36).

RESULTS

A multivariable regression analysis revealed that both men and women showed significant improvement in exercise capacity (p < .001). Female sex (B = 18.118, 95% CI 0.341 - 36.035, p = .046) and younger age (B = -0.887, 95% CI -1.463 - -0.312, p = .003) emerged as predictors of greater improvement, while HRQoL, employment status, and housing situation were not associated with significant change in exercise capacity. The final model explained 25% of the variance in exercise capacity change (adjusted R2 = 0.25, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that women and younger participants benefit from CR by improving their exercise capacity. Employment status, housing situation and HRQoL showed no effects on CR outcome.

Investigating the circulating sphingolipidome response to a single high-intensity interval training session within healthy females and males in their twenties (SphingoHIIT): Protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Growing scientific evidence indicates that sphingolipids predict cardiometabolic risk, independently of and beyond traditional biomarkers such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. To date, it remains largely unknown if and how exercise, a simple, low-cost, and patient-empowering modality to optimise cardiometabolic health, influences sphingolipid levels. The SphingoHIIT study aims to assess the response of circulating sphingolipid species to a single session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Methods: This single-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) will last 11 days per participant and aim to include 32 young and healthy individuals aged 20-29 (50% females). Participants will be randomly allocated to the HIIT (n= 16) or control groups (physical rest, n= 16). Participants will self-sample fasted dried blood spots for three consecutive days before the intervention (HIIT versus rest) to determine baseline sphingolipid levels. Dried blood spots will also be collected at five time points (2, 15, 30, 60min, and 24h) following the intervention (HIIT versus rest). To minimise the dietary influence, participants will receive a standardised diet for four days, starting 24 hours before the first dried blood sampling. For females, interventions will be timed to fall within the early follicular phase to minimise the menstrual cycle's influence on sphingolipid levels. Finally, physical activity will be monitored for the whole study duration using a wrist accelerometer. Ethics and dissemination: The Ethics Committee of Northwest and Central Switzerland approved this protocol (ID 2022-00513). Findings will be disseminated in scientific journals and meetings. Trial Registration The trial was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05390866, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05390866) on May 25, 2022.

Körperliche Aktivität/Sport – Auswirkung unterschiedlicher Trainingsformen und -intensitäten auf das Herz

„Das Sport-Paradox“ beschreibt die Ambivalenz zwischen einerseits klar evidenzbasierten gesundheitlichen Vorteilen des regelmäßigen Sporttreibens und andererseits der ebenso unumstrittenen gesundheitlichen Nachteile, die der Sport mit sich bringen kann.

Mindestens 30 Minuten moderate körperliche Belastung (bei Kindern 60 Minuten), an mindesten 5 Tagen pro Woche sind notwendig, um die gesundheitlichen Vorteile zu erreichen. Das Herz-Kreislaufsystem unterliegt dabei, bei regelmäßigem intensiven, vor allem dynamischem Ausdauertraining physiologischen Adapationen, welche von verschiedenen weiteren Faktoren abhängen. Während die exzentrische Hypertrophie des linken Ventrikels, in der Regel, reversibel ist, zeigt sich die „right ventricular fatigue“, bei entsprechender genetischer Belastung teilweise progredient. Dilatation und Fibrosierung der Vorhöfe führen zu einem erhöhten Risiko für ein Vorhofflimmern und auch eine häufig klinisch asymptomatische Dilatation der Aorta oder eine durch chronischen Stress bedingte Koronarsklerose können potenziell schwerwiegende Folgen mit sich bringen. Umso entscheidender sind individuelle und spezifische Trainingsempfehlungen.

[Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Cardiovascular Risk]

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Cardiovascular Risk Abstract. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are amongst the most frequently used drugs worldwide, although medically controlled prescription is missing most of the time. Beside well-known gastro-intestinal and renal side effects, the potentially increased cardiovascular risk under NSAIDs remains underestimated. Nonselective NSAIDs, but also selective COX-2 inhibitors may block and decrease prostacyclin, which itself physiologically would inhibit platelets and promote vasodilation. Furthermore, in selective COX-2 inhibitors a shift towards COX-1 activity may be observed, which further promotes platelet aggregation. Nonselective NSAIDs with a long half-life time are characterized by relatively stable plasma levels and thus a relatively stable platelet inhibition. Non-selective NSAIDs may additionally inhibit acetylsalicylic acid, which negatively affects its effect on platelet inhibition.

Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in young adults

AIMS

Data on sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (SrSCA) among young adults in the general population are scarce. We aimed to determine the overall SrSCA incidence, characteristics, and outcomes in young adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective cohort study of all cases of SrSCA between 2012 and 2019 in Germany and Paris area, France, involving subjects aged 18-35 years. Detection of SrSCA was achieved via multiple sources, including emergency medical services (EMS) reporting and web-based screening of media releases. Cases and aetiologies were centrally adjudicated. Overall, a total of 147 SrSCA (mean age 28.1 ± 4.8 years, 95.2% males) occurred, with an overall burden of 4.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.85-6.68] cases per million-year, including 12 (8.2%) cases in young competitive athletes. While bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated in 114 (82.6%), automated external defibrillator (AED) use by bystanders occurred only in a minority (7.5%). Public AED use prior to EMS arrival (odds ratio 6.25, 95% CI 1.48-43.20, P = 0.02) was the strongest independent predictor of survival at hospital discharge (38.1%). Among cases that benefited from both immediate bystander CPR and AED use, survival rate was 90.9%. Coronary artery disease was the most frequent aetiology (25.8%), mainly through acute coronary syndrome (86.9%).

CONCLUSION

Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in the young occurs mainly in recreational male sports participants. Public AED use remains disappointingly low, although survival may reach 90% among those who benefit from both bystander CPR and early defibrillation. Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent cause of SrSCA in young adults.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation delivery and outcomes in Switzerland: data from a national database over the last decade

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, exercise-based intervention strongly recommended by current guidelines to improve symptoms and quality of life and to reduce cardiovascular adverse outcomes, mainly in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. CR activities have not been reported on a Swiss national base so far.

Purpose

To report CR outcome variables from a Swiss national base.

Methods

As part of the Swiss working group for cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation, and sports cardiology (SCPRS) quality standards, all Swiss CR centres provide yearly a quality indicator report on an online questionnaire. Annual data from 2010 to 2019 were transferred as medians or means of all individual patients' data from each centre. We used the t-Student test to compare changes of outcome variables between entry and exit of the programme.

Results

A total of 133,060 CR patients were included (68,690 inpatients and 64,370 outpatients) with a progressive increase reaching its climax with 14'909 patients/year in 2018. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) in outpatient and inpatient programmes was 60±1 and 68±1 years, and women percentage 21% and 32%, respectively. The most common CR indication was acute coronary syndrome (51%) in outpatient, whereas cardiovascular surgery of various types (60%) was the main indication in inpatient programmes. Mean improvement ± SD of functional capacity was 38% ±3.6 using the six-minute walk test in inpatient (p&lt;0.001) and 21% ±2 using cycle-ergometer maximal exercise testing in outpatient programmes (p&lt;0.001). Quality of life mainly assessed with the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) in outpatient CR improved by 13% ±4.5. MacNew Heart questionnaire systematically performed in inpatient programmes showed significant improvement at emotional level by 12% ±0.4, at physical level by 30% ±0.9, and at social level by 18% ±0.6.

Conclusion

Even if still underutilised in certain groups of patients such as women or heart failure, CR has gained growing importance in Switzerland during the last decade. Functional capacity, as well as quality of life, was significantly improved. Individual CR patient data should be collected in the future to improve assessment of outcome parameters and benchmarking of centres.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effects of auditory sleep modulation approaches on brain oscillatory and cardiovascular dynamics

Slow waves, the hallmark feature of deep nonrapid eye movement sleep, do potentially drive restorative effects of sleep on brain and body functions. Sleep modulation techniques to elucidate the functional role of slow waves thus have gained large interest. Auditory slow wave stimulation is a promising tool; however, directly comparing auditory stimulation approaches within a night and analyzing induced dynamic brain and cardiovascular effects are yet missing. Here, we tested various auditory stimulation approaches in a windowed, 10 s ON (stimulations) followed by 10 s OFF (no stimulations), within-night stimulation design and compared them to a SHAM control condition. We report the results of three studies and a total of 51 included nights and found a large and global increase in slow-wave activity (SWA) in the stimulation window compared to SHAM. Furthermore, slow-wave dynamics were most pronouncedly increased at the start of the stimulation and declined across the stimulation window. Beyond the changes in brain oscillations, we observed, for some conditions, a significant increase in the mean interval between two heartbeats within a stimulation window, indicating a slowing of the heart rate, and increased heart rate variability derived parasympathetic activity. Those cardiovascular changes were positively correlated with the change in SWA, and thus, our findings provide insight into the potential of auditory slow wave enhancement to modulate cardiovascular restorative conditions during sleep. However, future studies need to investigate whether the potentially increased restorative capacity through slow-wave enhancements translates into a more rested cardiovascular system on a subsequent day.

Hexoprenaline Compared with Atosiban as Tocolytic Treatment for Preterm Labor

Introduction Preterm birth is defined as a live birth before 37 weeks of gestation and is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of hexoprenaline and atosiban for short- and long-term tocolysis and their effects on neonatal and maternal outcomes.

Methods This retrospective cohort study included women with threatened preterm labor between 24 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks of gestation without premature rupture of membranes. The tocolytic efficacy of hexoprenaline and atosiban was compared in women receiving one of the two medications for short- and long-term tocolysis. Continuous variables were compared using t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. Comparison of categorical variables between the two groups was done with χ ² test after Pearsonʼs and Fisherʼs exact test.

Results 761 women were enrolled in this study; 387 women received atosiban and 374 women received hexoprenaline as their primary tocolytic agent. Atosiban showed a higher efficacy as a primary tocolytic agent (p = 0.000) within 48 hours. As regards long-term tocolysis, there were no differences between the treatment groups (p = 0.466). Maternal side effects such as tachycardia (p = 0.018) or palpitations (p = 0.000) occurred more frequently after the administration of hexoprenaline, while there were no differences between the two drugs administered with regard to any other maternal or neonatal outcome parameter.

Conclusion Our retrospective study shows a significantly higher efficacy of atosiban in the first 48 hours, especially when administered at an early gestational age. There were no significant differences in terms of neonatal outcome but significantly more maternal adverse effects during the administration of hexoprenaline.

Iron Rims in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis as Neurodegenerative Marker? A 7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Study

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammatory-driven demyelination. Symptoms in MS manifest as both physical and neuropsychological deficits. With time, inflammation is accompanied by neurodegeneration, indicated by brain volume loss on an MRI. Here, we combined clinical, imaging, and serum biomarkers in patients with iron rim lesions (IRLs), which lead to severe tissue destruction and thus contribute to the accumulation of clinical disability.

Objectives: Subcortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement using an automatic segmentation pipeline for 7 Tesla (T) MRI, serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels, and neuropsychological performance in patients with MS with IRLs and non-IRLs were assessed.

Methods: In total 29 patients with MS [15 women, 24 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and five secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)] aged 38 (22–69) years with an Expanded Disability Status Score of 2 (0–8) and a disease duration of 11 (5–40) years underwent neurological and neuropsychological examinations. Volumes of lesions, subcortical structures, and lateral ventricles on 7-T MRI (SWI, FLAIR, and MP2RAGE, 3D Segmentation Software) and sNfL concentrations using the Simoa SR-X Analyzer in IRL and non-IRL patients were assessed.

Results: (1) Iron rim lesions patients had a higher FLAIR lesion count (p = 0.047). Patients with higher MP2Rage lesion volume exhibited more IRLs (p <0.014) and showed poorer performance in the information processing speed tested within 1 year using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (p <0.047). (2) Within 3 years, patients showed atrophy of the thalamus (p = 0.021) and putamen (p = 0.043) and enlargement of the lateral ventricles (p = 0.012). At baseline and after 3 years, thalamic volumes were lower in IRLs than in non-IRL patients (p = 0.045). (3) At baseline, IRL patients had higher sNfL concentrations (p = 0.028). Higher sNfL concentrations were associated with poorer SDMT (p = 0.004), regardless of IRL presence. (4) IRL and non-IRL patients showed no significant difference in the neuropsychological performance within 1 year.

Conclusions: Compared with non-IRL patients, IRL patients had higher FLAIR lesion counts, smaller thalamic volumes, and higher sNfL concentrations. Our pilot study combines IRL and sNfL, two biomarkers considered indicative for neurodegenerative processes. Our preliminary data underscore the reported destructive nature of IRLs.

Diagnostic yield and cost analysis of electrocardiographic screening in Swiss paediatric athletes

OBJECTIVES

Athletes performing sports on high level are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. This includes paediatric athletes, even though data on screening strategies in this age group remain scarce. This study aimed to assess electrocardiogram interpretation criteria in paediatric athletes and to evaluate the cost of screening.

METHODS

National, multicentre, retrospective, observational study on 891 athletes of paediatric age (<18 years) evaluated by history, physical examination and 12-lead electrocardiogram. The primary outcome measure was abnormal electrocardiogram findings according to the International Recommendations for Electrographic Interpretation in Athletes. The secondary outcome measure was cost of screening.

RESULTS

19 athletes (2.1%) presented abnormal electrocardiogram findings requiring further investigations, mainly abnormal T-wave inversion. These 19 athletes were predominantly males, performing endurance sports with a mean volume of 10 weekly hours for a mean duration of 6 years of training. Further investigations did not identify any relevant pathology. All athletes were cleared for competition with regular follow-up. Total costs of the screening were 108,860 USD (122 USD per athlete).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study using the International Recommendations for Electrographic Interpretation in Athletes identified a low count of abnormal findings in paediatric athletes, yet raising substantially the cost of screening. Hence, the utility of electrocardiogram-inclusive screening of paediatric athletes remains to be elucidated by longitudinal data.

Effects of a 12-Week Recreational Skiing Program on Cardio-Pulmonary Fitness in the Elderly: Results from the Salzburg Skiing in the Elderly Study (SASES)

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether recreational alpine skiing in the elderly can improve cardio-pulmonary fitness.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled study with pre-post repeated measurements.

METHODS

A total of 48 elderly participants (60-76 years) were randomly assigned to either participate in a 12-week guided recreational skiing program (intervention group, IG, average of 28.5 ± 2.6 skiing days) or to continue a sedentary ski-free lifestyle (control group, CG). Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and pulmonary function testing were performed in both groups before (PRE) and after (POST) the intervention/control period to compare parameters PRE vs. POST CPET.

RESULTS

At baseline, IG and CG did not differ significantly with respect to CPET and pulmonary function parameters. At POST, several measures of maximal exercise capacity and breathing economy were significantly improved in IG as compared to CG: maximal oxygen capacity (IG: 33.8 ± 7.9; CG: 28.7 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg; p = 0.030), maximal carbon dioxide production (IG: 36.2 ± 7.7; CG: 31.8 ± 6.5 mL/min/kg; p = 0.05), maximal oxygen pulse (IG: 16.8 ± 4.2; CG: 13.2 ± 4 mL/heart beat; p = 0.010), maximal minute ventilation (IG: 96.8 ± 17.8; CG: 81.3 ± 21.9 l/min; p = 0.025), and maximal metabolic equivalent of task (METs, IG: 9.65 ± 2.26; CG: 8.19 ± 1.68 METs; p = 0.029). Except for oxygen pulse, these significant changes could also be observed at the anaerobic threshold. Maximal heart rate and pulmonary function parameters remained essentially unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Regular recreational skiing improves cardio-pulmonary fitness along with breathing economy and thus can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle for the elderly.

Athletes and Hypertension

Purpose of Review

We reviewed most current medical literature in order to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, outcome, and management of hypertension in athletes.

Recent Findings

An estimated quarter of the world’s population is suffering from hypertension and this prevalence is also reflected in athletes and in individuals involved in leisure time sport activities. Several studies found an inverse relationship between physical activity and blood pressure. Therefore, physical exercise is recommended to prevent, manage, and treat hypertension. On the other hand, the prevalence of hypertension may vary by sport and in some cases may even be higher in athletes competing in certain disciplines than in the general population. Hypertension is the most common medical condition in athletes and may raise concerns about its management and the individual’s eligibility for competitive sports. A thorough clinical evaluation should be performed to correctly diagnose or rule out hypertension in athletes, describe the individual’s risk profile, rule out secondary causes, and detect possible hypertension-mediated organ damage caused by hypertension at an early stage. Based on most recent clinical research and international consensus documents, we propose a diagnostic algorithm as well the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of hypertension in athletes.

Summary

Although elevated blood pressure levels are less common in the active population, athletes are not protected from hypertension. A thorough diagnostic approach may help to identify individual at risk for adverse cardiovascular events and to address the optimal treatment as well as sport recommendations.

How Ceramides Orchestrate Cardiometabolic Health-An Ode to Physically Active Living

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) represent a growing socioeconomic burden and concern for healthcare systems worldwide. Improving patients’ metabolic phenotyping in clinical practice will enable clinicians to better tailor prevention and treatment strategy to individual needs. Recently, elevated levels of specific lipid species, known as ceramides, were shown to predict cardiometabolic outcomes beyond traditional biomarkers such as cholesterol. Preliminary data showed that physical activity, a potent, low-cost, and patient-empowering means to reduce CMD-related burden, influences ceramide levels. While a single bout of physical exercise increases circulating and muscular ceramide levels, regular exercise reduces ceramide content. Additionally, several ceramide species have been reported to be negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, which is a potent health marker reflecting training level. Thus, regular exercise could optimize cardiometabolic health, partly by reversing altered ceramide profiles. This short review provides an overview of ceramide metabolism and its role in cardiometabolic health and diseases, before presenting the effects of exercise on ceramides in humans.

Athletes with valvular heart disease and competitive sports: a position statement of the Sport Cardiology Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology

This article provides an overview of the recommendations from the Sports Cardiology section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology on sports participation in individuals with valvular heart disease (VHD). The aim of these recommendations is to encourage regular physical activity including sports participation, with reasonable precaution to ensure a high level of safety for all affected individuals. Valvular heart disease is usually an age-related degenerative process, predominantly affecting individuals in their fifth decade and onwards. However, there is an increasing group of younger individuals with valvular defects. The diagnosis of cardiac disorders during routine cardiac examination often raises questions about on-going participation in competitive sport with a high dynamic or static component and the level of permissible physical effort during recreational exercise. Although the natural history of several valvular diseases has been reported in the general population, little is known about the potential influence of chronic intensive physical activity on valve function, left ventricular remodelling pulmonary artery pressure, and risk of arrhythmia. Due to the sparsity of data on the effects of exercise on VHD, the present document is largely based on clinical experience and expert opinion.

Impact of early sports specialisation on paediatric ECG

Athletes of pediatric age are growing in number. They are subject to a number of risks, among them sudden cardiac death (SCD). This study aimed to characterize the pediatric athlete population in Switzerland, to evaluate electrocardiographic findings based on the International Criteria for electrocardiography (ECG) Interpretation in Athletes, and to analyze the association between demographic data, sport type, and ECG changes. Retrospective, observational study of pediatric athletes (less than 18 years old) including medical history, physical examination, and a 12-lead resting ECG. The primary focus was on identification of normal, borderline, and abnormal ECG findings. The secondary observation was the relation between ECG and demographic, anthropometric, sport-related, and clinical data. The 891 athletes (mean 14.8 years, 35% girls) practiced 45 different sports on three different levels, representing all types of static and dynamic composition of the Classification of Sports by Mitchell. There were 75.4% of normal ECG findings, among them most commonly early repolarization, sinus bradycardia, and left ventricular hypertrophy; 4.3% had a borderline finding; 2.1% were abnormal and required further investigations, without SCD-related diagnosis. While the normal ECG findings were related to sex, age, and endurance sports, no such observation was found for borderline or abnormal criteria. Our results in an entirely pediatric population of athletes demonstrate that sex, age, and type of sports correlate with normal ECG findings. Abnormal ECG findings in pediatric athletes are rare. The International Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes are appropriate for this age group.

Cardiac Structure and Function in Elite Female and Male Soccer Players

Importance

Population-specific normative data are essential for the evaluation of competitive athletes. At present, there are limited data defining normal electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic values among elite US soccer players.

Objective

To describe ECG and echocardiographic findings in healthy elite US soccer players.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed Fédération Internationale de Football Association-mandated screening sessions performed at US Soccer National Team training locations from January 2015 to December 2019. US women's and men's national team soccer players undergoing mandated cardiovascular screening were included.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Normal training-related and abnormal ECG findings were reported using the International Recommendations for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. Echocardiographic measurements of structural and functional parameters relevant to cardiovascular remodeling were assessed relative to American Society of Echocardiography guideline-defined normal ranges.

Results

A total of 238 athletes (122 [51%] female; mean [SD] age, 20 [4] years; age range, 15-40 years) were included. Male athletes demonstrated a higher prevalence of normal training-related ECG findings, while female athletes were more likely to have abnormal ECG patterns (14 [11%] vs 0 in male cohort), largely accounted for by abnormal T-wave inversions. Echocardiography revealed no pathologic findings meeting criteria for sport restriction, but athletes frequently exceeded normal ranges for structural cardiac parameters responsive to exercise-induced remodeling including body surface area-indexed left ventricular (LV) mass (58 of 113 female athletes [51%] and 67 of 114 male athletes [59%]), indexed LV volume (89 of 115 female athletes [77%] and 76 of 111 male athletes [68%]), and LV wall thickness (37 of 122 female athletes [30%] and 47 of 116 male athletes [41%]). Age-stratified analysis revealed age-dependent increases in LV wall thickness, mass, and volumes among female athletes and LV wall thickness and mass among male athletes.

Conclusions and Relevance

These data represent the first set of comprehensive normative values for elite US soccer players and one of the largest sport-specific echocardiographic remodeling studies in female athletes. Abnormal ECG findings were more common in female athletes, while both female and male athletes frequently exceeded clinical normality cut points for remodeling-associated echocardiographic parameters.

Health effects of active commuting to work: The available evidence before GISMO

Sedentary lifestyle is a major modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases. Global guidelines recommend for maintaining health in adults, at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity of physical activity throughout the week, but compliance is insufficient and health problems arise. One obvious way to overcome this is to integrate physical activity into the daily routine for example by active commuting to work. Scientific evidence, however, is scarce and therefore we set out to perform this systematic review of the available literature to improve understanding of the efficiency of active commuting initiatives on health. Literature searches were performed in PubMed and Cochrane database. Altogether, 37 studies were screened. Thereof, eight publications were reviewed, which included 555 participants. The mean study duration of the reviewed research was 36 ± 26 (8-72) weeks. Overall, active commuting in previously untrained subjects of both sexes significantly improved exercise capacity, maximal power, blood pressure, lipid parameters including cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference. Improvement was independent of the type of active commuting. Despite relatively few studies that were previously performed, this review revealed that active commuting has health beneficial effects comparable to those of moderate exercise training.

Association of Ascending Aortic Dilatation and Long-term Endurance Exercise Among Older Masters-Level Athletes

Importance

Aortic dilatation is frequently encountered in clinical practice among aging endurance athletes, but the distribution of aortic sizes in this population is unknown. It is additionally uncertain whether this may represent aortic adaptation to long-term exercise, similar to the well-established process of ventricular remodeling.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of aortic dilatation among long-term masters-level male and female athletes with about 2 decades of exercise exposure.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study evaluated aortic size in veteran endurance athletes. Masters-level rowers and runners aged 50 to 75 years were enrolled from competitive athletic events across the United States from February to October 2018. Analysis began January 2019.

Exposures

Long-term endurance exercise.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was aortic size at the sinuses of Valsalva and the ascending aorta, measured using transthoracic echocardiography in accordance with contemporary guidelines. Aortic dimensions were compared with age, sex, and body size-adjusted predictions from published nomograms, and z scores were calculated where applicable.

Results

Among 442 athletes (mean [SD] age, 61 [6] years; 267 men [60%]; 228 rowers [52%]; 214 runners [48%]), clinically relevant aortic dilatation, defined by a diameter at sinuses of Valsalva or ascending aorta of 40 mm or larger, was found in 21% (n = 94) of all participants (83 men [31%] and 11 women [6%]). When compared with published nomograms, the distribution of measured aortic size displayed a rightward shift with a rightward tail (all P < .001). Overall, 105 individuals (24%) had at least 1 z score of 2 or more, indicating an aortic measurement greater than 2 SDs above the population mean. In multivariate models adjusting for age, sex, body size, hypertension, and statin use, both elite competitor status (rowing participation in world championships or Olympics or marathon time under 2 hours and 45 minutes) and sport type (rowing) were independently associated with aortic size.

Conclusions and Relevance

Clinically relevant aortic dilatation is common among aging endurance athletes, raising the possibility of vascular remodeling in response to long-term exercise. Longitudinal follow-up is warranted to establish corollary clinical outcomes in this population.

Role of echocardiography in screening and evaluation of athletes

The term athlete's heart describes structural, functional and electrical adaptations of the cardiovascular system due to repetitive intense exercise. Physiological cardiac adaptations in athletes, however, may mimic features of cardiac diseases and therefore make it difficult to distinguish physiological adaptions from disease. Furthermore, regular exercise may also lead to pathological adaptions that can promote or worsen cardiac disease (eg, atrial dilation/atrial fibrillation, aortic dilation/aortic dissection and rhythm disorders). Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major concern in sports cardiology, and preparticipation screening (PPS) has demonstrated to be effective in identifying athletes at risk for SCD. In Europe, PPS is advocated to include personal and family history, physical examination and ECG, with further workup including echocardiography only if the initial screening investigations show abnormal findings. We review the current available evidence for echocardiography as a screening tool for conditions associated with SCD in recreational and professional athletes and advocate to include screening echocardiography to be performed at least twice in an athlete's career. We recommend that the first echocardiography is performed during adolescence to rule out structural heart conditions associated with SCD that cannot be detected by ECG, especially mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery anomalies, bicuspid aortic valve and dilatation of the aorta. A second echocardiography could be performed from the age of 30-35 years, when athletes age and become master athletes, to especially evaluate pathological cardiac remodelling to exercise (eg, atrial and/or right ventricular dilation), late onset cardiomyopathies and wall motion abnormalities due to myocarditis or coronary artery disease.

Exercise in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) era: A Question and Answer session with the experts Endorsed by the section of Sports Cardiology & Exercise of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)

Regular exercise has multiple benefits for physical and mental health, including the body's ability to combat infections. The current COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing measures employed to curtail the impact of the infection are likely to reduce the amount of usual physical activity being performed by most individuals, including habitual exercisers. The uncertainties relating to the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the heart may cause increased anxiety, particularly in athletes who need to sustain a vigorous exercise regime in order to maintain their skills and fitness in preparation for return to competition after a short re-training period. The aim of this document is to provide practical answers to pertinent questions being posed by the sporting community, in an attempt to offer reassurance, promote safe participation in exercise during as well as after the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a framework of management for physicians caring for athletes.

The use of cardiac imaging in the evaluation of athletes in the clinical practice: A survey by the Sports Cardiology and Exercise Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology and University of Siena, in collaboration with the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, the European Heart Rhythm Association and the ESC Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases

AIMS

Pre-participation evaluation (PPE) is recommended to prevent sudden cardiac death in athletes. Although imaging is not advocated as a first-line screening tool, there is a growing interest in the use of echocardiography in PPE of athletes. This survey aimed to map the use of imaging in the setting of PPE and explore physician beliefs and potential barriers that may influence individual practices.

METHODS

An international survey of healthcare professionals was performed across ESC Member Countries. Percentages were reported based on the number of respondents per question.

RESULTS

In total, 603 individuals from 97 countries participated in the survey. Two-thirds (65%) of respondents use echocardiography always or often as part of PPE of competitive athletes and this practice is not influenced by the professional or amateur status of the athlete. The majority (81%) of respondents who use echocardiography as a first-line screening tool perform the first echocardiogram during adolescence or at the first clinical evaluation, and 72% repeat it at least once in the athletes' career, at 1-5 yearly intervals. In contrast, cardiac magnetic resonance is reserved as a second-line investigation of symptomatic athletes. The majority of the respondents did not report any barriers to echocardiography, while several barriers were identified for cardiac magnetic resonance.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography is frequently used as a first-line screening tool of athletes. In the absence of scientific evidence, before such practice is recommended, large studies using echocardiography in the PPE setting are necessary.

A Prospective Pilot Study to Identify a Myocarditis Cohort who may Safely Resume Sports Activities 3 Months after Diagnosis

International cardiovascular society recommendations to return to sports activities following acute myocarditis are based on expert consensus in the absence of prospective studies. We prospectively enrolled 30 patients with newly diagnosed myocarditis based on clinical parameters, laboratory measurements and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with mildly reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with a follow-up of 12 months. Cessation of physical activity was recommended for 3 months. The average age was 35 (19-80) years with 73% male patients. One case of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia was recorded during 48-h-Holter electrocardiogram. Except for this case, all patients were allowed to resume physical exercise after 3 months. At 6- (n = 26) and 12-month (n = 19) follow-up neither cardiac events nor worsening LVEF were recorded. The risk of cardiac events at 1 year after diagnosis of myocarditis appears to be low after resumption of exercise after 3 months among patients who recover from acute myocarditis.

Effects of active commuting on cardiovascular risk factors: GISMO-a randomized controlled feasibility study

A sedentary lifestyle is a major modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases. Lifestyle modification in order to increase exercise capacity is key in the prevention and rehabilitation of chronic diseases. This could be achieved by active commute. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of daily active commuting on physical activity (PA) and exercise capacity. Seventy‐three healthy hospital employees (age: 46 ± 9 years, 38% male), with a predominantly passive way of commuting, were randomly assigned to two parallel groups, a control group (CG, N = 22) or an intervention group (IG, N = 51), which was further split into public transportation/active commuting (IG‐PT, N = 25) and cycling (IG‐C, N = 26). Both intervention groups were asked to reach 150 min/wk of moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity exercise during their commute for 1 year. CG maintained a passive commuting mode. All participants underwent assessment of anthropometry, risk factor stratification, and exercise capacity by a medical doctor at the Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation. Weekly physical activity, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and commuting behavior, using an online diary, were used to assess physical activity. At the end of the study, the change in exercise capacity did significantly differ between IG and CG (P = .003, ES = 0.82). Actively covered distances through commuting significantly differed between groups (walking P = .026; cycling P < .001). Therefore, active commuting improves exercise capacity and can be recommended to the working population to increase exercise capacity.

Effects of active commuting to work for 12 months on cardiovascular risk factors and body composition

Active commuting has the potential to decrease cardiovascular risk by increasing physical activity. We aimed to investigate the effects of active commuting to work for 12 months on body composition and cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, 73 hospital employees (age: 46 ± 9 years, 36% males), with a predominantly passive way of commuting, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG) in a 2:1 fashion. The IG was further divided into a public transportation plus active commuting group (IG‐PT) and a cycling group (IG‐C). Both IGs were prompted to reach 150 min/wk of moderate intensity exercise. Daily self‐reported commuting details were verified by GPS tracking. All subjects underwent assessment of body composition, resting blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profile at the beginning and end of the study. Data for final analyses were available in 62 subjects. Commuting details indicated that the subjects randomized to IG changed their commuting habits. HbA1c decreased by 0.2% [95%CI: −0.3, −0.2] in IG‐PT but was not statistically different between groups (P = .06). LDL cholesterol decreased in IG‐C by 0.8 mmol/L [−1.1, −0.4] and by 0.6 mmol/L [−1.2, 0.1] in IG‐PT which can be considered biologically relevant but did not yield statistical significance. Body composition and blood pressure did not differ between groups. Active commuting to work for 12 months did not change body composition but yielded relevant changes in lipid profile and glycemic control. Health benefits of active commuting should be addressed by healthcare professionals when counseling individuals that seek to improve their cardiovascular risk profile.

Effects of active commuting on health-related quality of life and sickness-related absence

Increased physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits. This study investigated the effect of active commuting (walking and cycling to work) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and absence days from work due to sickness in healthy working adults. In total, 73 participants (age: 46 ± 9 years), all working at a tertiary university hospital in Salzburg, Austria, were randomized into an intervention group (IG, n = 51) and a control group (CG, n = 22). The IG was asked to commute actively for twelve months, whereas the CG did not have to change their usual commuting behavior. IG was divided into two subgroups: IG-C (cycling, n = 26) was asked to commute by bicycle and IG-PT (public transport, n = 25) partially using public transportation and walked the remaining distance to work. Significant positive changes in IG were observed in four subcomponents of the SF-36 (physical functioning (95 [10] to 100 [8.8], P = .023), mental health (82 [15] to 86 [15], P = .036), vitality (65 [20] to 70 [14], P = .005), and general health (70 [19] to 80 [24], P = .004)) as well as the physical component summary score (56.5 [9] to 59.2 [6.3], P = .002). IG-C showed greater and more statistically significant changes regarding HRQoL compared to IG-PT. Associations between active commuting and sick-leave days were only observed in IG-PT (7.5 [14.8] to 4.0 [11.3] days, P = .038). In conclusion, active commuting improves various components of HRQoL and might therefore be a possible strategy to increase quality of life in the workforce.

Merging self-reported with technically sensed data for tracking mobility behavior in a naturalistic intervention study. Insights from the GISMO study

Sound exposure data are central for any intervention study. In the case of utilitarian mobility, where studies cannot be conducted in controlled environments, exposure data are commonly self‐reported. For short‐term intervention studies, wearable devices with location sensors are increasingly employed. We aimed to combine self‐reported and technically sensed mobility data, in order to provide more accurate and reliable exposure data for GISMO, a long‐term intervention study. Through spatio‐temporal data matching procedures, we are able to determine the amount of mobility for all modes at the best possible accuracy level. Self‐reported data deviate ±10% from the corrected reference. Derived modal split statistics prove high compliance to the respective recommendations for the control group (CG) and the two intervention groups (IG‐PT, IG‐C). About 73.7% of total mileage was travelled by car in CG. This share was 10.3% (IG‐PT) and 9.7% (IG‐C), respectively, in the intervention groups. Commuting distances were comparable in CG and IG, but annual mean travel times differ between x¯  = 8,458 min (σ = 6,427 min) for IG‐PT, x¯  = 8,444 min (σ = 5,961 min) for IG‐C, and x¯  = 5,223 min (σ = 5,463 min) for CG. Seasonal variabilities of modal split statistics were observable. However, in IG‐PT and IG‐C no shift toward the car occurred during winter months. Although no perfect single‐method solution for acquiring exposure data in mobility‐related, naturalistic intervention studies exists, we achieved substantially improved results by combining two data sources, based on spatio‐temporal matching procedures.

Dose-response relationship of active commuting to work: Results of the GISMO study

The positive health benefits of regular exercise, particularly regarding cardiovascular risk and diseases, are well recognized and scientifically evident. However, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors that are still insufficiently addressed. Leisure-time active commuting like walking and biking is an ideal way to improve exercise behavior in the general population. The purpose of this substudy of the GISMO study was to assess dose-response relations in all commuters and the three subgroups of commuters (physically active by bicycle and/or walking, physically active by using public transportation (PT), and the controls using their own vehicles). As such, a positive dose-response relationship could be confirmed in all physically active commuters compared to the control group. Whether the commuters cycled, walked, or traveled by PT -the more the physical exercise they performed (measured in metabolic equivalent [MET]-hours), the larger their gain in physical fitness (measured in gained or "Delta" Watt during a maximal exercise test), and their physical fitness at the end of the study was P = .016 and P = .003, respectively. Health-related quality of life correlated in two out of eight subdomains of the SF-36 questionnaire with MET-hours achieved during the study period (General Health and Physical Functioning). No clearly significant dose-response could be observed regarding HDL(high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol or body composition. Our results indicate a dose-response pattern of healthy commuting in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life to increase doses of physically active commuting.

Neonatal Outcome After Hexoprenaline Compared with Atosiban After Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs in up to 3% of all pregnancies. Only few comparative studies have investigated potential risks and benefits between different tocolytic substances in women with PPROM. The aim of this study was to compare the neonatal short term outcome after tocolysis with Atosiban or Hexoprenaline in women with PPROM. This is a retrospective observational cohort study of women with PPROM between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation comparing neonatal and maternal outcome after tocolysis with atosiban or hexoprenaline. Outcome parameters were short term neonatal outcome, maternal tocolytic efficacy, effectiveness and tolerability and neonatal neurodevelopmental long-term outcome. Continuous variables were compared using t-Test or Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. For categorical variables Chi-square after Pearson and Fisher exact-test were used to compare the two groups. 93 women were included into this study with 42 women receiving hexoprenaline and 51 women receiving atosiban as primary tocolytic treatment. Mean gestational age was 29 weeks in both groups at the time PPROM. No differences were found for any short term neonatal outcome parameters, tocolytic efficacy, effectiveness and tolerability and neonatal neurodevelopmental long-term outcome. Both hexoprenaline and atosiban do not affect the short and long term neonatal outcome in women with PPROM for the time of lung maturation.

P5276A prospective pilot study to identify a myocarditis cohort who may safely resume sports activities 3 months after diagnosis

Background

Sports activities may promote arrhythmias in the setting of acute myocarditis. International cardiovascular society recommendations to return to sports activities following acute myocarditis are based on expert consensus in the absence of prospective studies.

Purpose

We sought to identify patients who may safely resume sports activities 3 months after acute myocarditis.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 27 patients with newly diagnosed myocarditis based on clinical parameters, elevated high sensitive troponin (TnT-hs) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF. Follow-up examination included laboratory findings, electrocardiogram (ECG), 48-hour-Holter ECG, echocardiography, exercise stress testing and CMR. Cessation of physical activity was recommended for 3 months. All patients were followed for cardiac events for 12 months.

Results

Average age was 35 (19–80) years with 73% male patients. All patients performed 3- and 6-month follow-up with above mentioned diagnostic tests. Eight patients did not present for 12-month follow-up, but were contacted by phone. No cardiac events occurred within the interval of 12 months.

After 3 months, participants achieved an average of 92% of predicted maximum power on stress test. One case of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia was recorded during 48-hour-Holter ECG. Except for this case, all patients were allowed to resume physical exercise after 3 months. At 6- (n=26) and 12-month (n=19) follow-up no arrhythmias, recurrent myocarditis, worsening left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or physical performance were recorded. TnT-hs, creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), and C-reactive protein (CRP) normalized.

Conclusion

The risk of cardiac events and decreasing LVEF appears to be low after early resumption of exercise in asymptomatic patients who recover from acute myocarditis.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Forschungskredit of the University of Zurich,the Holcim Foundation, the Hartmann Müller Foundation, and the Walter and Gertrud Siegenthaler Foundation

P306Echocardiographic criteria of left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy in black athletes from homogenous ethnic descent

Background

To prevent sudden cardiac death in sports, pre-competition medical assessment aims to detect underlying cardiac diseases as electrical disorders or cardiomyopathies. Due to a large diagnostic grey-zone, Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is an entity quite challenging to diagnose, particularly in athletes from Afro-Caribbean descent.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the currently established echocardiographic diagnostic criteria for LVNC in a cohort of adolescent African football players of relatively homogenous ethnic descent.

Methods

The study took place in the West-African sub-Saharan country of Gabon were the ethnic background of its population is relatively homogenous. The competitive football players underwent cardiac screening, including personal and family history, physical examination, 12-lead resting ECG and transthoracic echocardiography, that particularly assessed the three currently established diagnostic echocardiographic criteria to diagnose LVNC (Jenni-, Chin- and Stöllberger-Criteria).

Results

The mean age of the 210 male athletes was 18.6 years (range 18–22). Family history revealed sudden or unexplained death in 17%. Most of the cases concerned athletes without an echocardiographic LVNC pattern. Clearly suspicious ECG findings were unexpectedly rare, with T-wave inversions in 7 athletes (3.3%) and ST-segment depression in 1 athlete (0.5%). All ECG changes but two were seen in athletes with positive echocardiographic criteria for LVNC. The number of athletes exhibiting at least one of the established echocardiographic criteria for LVNC was very high (n=83, 39.5%). All of these 83 athletes were positive for the Chin criteria (100%), while 41 athletes showed positive criteria for Stöllberger (49.3%, 19.5% overall) and 21 for Jenni (25.3%, 4.8% overall) criteria. In not less than 17 athletes all three currently established diagnostic criteria were positive (20.5%, 8.1% overall). The LV systolic function was normal in all athletes.

Conclusions

In adolescent African football players from relatively homogenous ethnic background, the prevalence of positive echocardiographic diagnostic criteria for LVNC is unexpectedly high. Almost 40% of the athletes fulfill at least one of the established diagnostic criteria. Thus, these established criteria should not be used routinely for a population of black athletes. The estimation, which of the three diagnostic sets may be the most accurate is not conclusive, however, it is remarkable that the “Chin” criteria were positive in all players with LVNC pattern, while the “Jenni” criteria were positive in only 25%. In 8.1% of the overall cohort all three diagnostic criteria were positive, making these athletes most likely to have the definite diagnosis. At a nine year follow-up there were no adverse or fatal events reported. More studies, which should integrate cardiac MRI, are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy of these morphologic findings.

P899Long-term evolution of Fabry cardiomyopathy under enzyme replacement therapy in the Swiss Fabry cohort. An echocardiographic study

Introduction

Fabry cardiomyopathy may present with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) aims to slow its progression in affected patients. LVH progression may be observed despite ERT and the aim of this study was to identify predictors of adverse LV remodeling under treatment.

Methods

This multicentric study included consecutive Fabry patients receiving ERT and for whom a clinical follow-up (FU) with echocardiography (TTE) of at least 5 years was available. The first TTE was performed at the time of ERT start and disease progression was defined as an increase in LV mass index between the first and the last available FU TTE.

Results

Sixty-one patients (median age 35 years [23–48] and 40 (66%) men) were included with a median FU of 10.5 years [7.2–12.2]. Progression was seen in 33 (54%) patients with an annual increase in LV mass index of 1.8 g/m2/year [0.7–3.2] (vs −0.8 g/m2/year [−1.6 to 0.4] in the non-progression group). Presence of LVH (>95 g/m2 in women or >115 g/m2 in men) at the start of ERT was the only morphological baseline parameter significantly associated with progression after adjustment for age, gender and baseline arterial hypertension (OR 22.5, 95% CI 2.7–188.3, p=0.004). Over the FU duration, patients with baseline LVH (n=22) had higher increase in LV diastolic diameter (2.3±4.9 mm vs 0.9±4.1, p=0.009), a lower increase in relative wall thickness (−1.7±14.1% vs 4.6±9.8%, p=0.04), and a higher increase in LV mass index (22±22 g/m2 vs 0±17 g/m2, p=0.001), as compared with patients with no baseline LVH. While no difference was seen in the evolution of the LV ejection fraction, a faster decline in diastolic function was observed in patients with baseline LVH, with a higher increase in E/e' ratio (5.9±7.4 vs 1.1±2.8, p=0.001) and in left atrial diameter (4.7±5.4 mm vs 1.8±5.2 mm).

Baseline characteristics All (n=61) No LVH (n=39) LVH (n=22) p Age (years) 35 [23–48] 17 [21–36] 50 [44–54] <0.001 Male gender 40 (66%) 22 (56%) 18 (82%) 0.79 Arterial hypertension 10 (17%) 3 (8%) 7 (31%) 0.03 LV mass index (g/m2) 105±43 79±18 150±38 <0.001 Mitral E/e' ratio 7.8±5.0 6.7±2.0 9.9±7.8 0.02

Conclusion

Over a median FU of over 10 years, LV wall thickness, LV mass and LV diastolic function remained stable under ERT, providing the treatment was started, early, i.e. before development of LVH. If LVH is already present at baseline, ERT appears to be less effective, with significant progression in LV mass and significantly faster decrease in diastolic function.

Brief recommendations for participation in leisure time or competitive sports in athletes-patients with coronary artery disease: Summary of a Position Statement from the Sports Cardiology Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)

This paper presents a brief summary of the recommendations from the Sports Cardiology section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) on sports-participation in patients with coronary artery disease, coronary artery anomalies or spontaneous dissection of the coronary arteries, all entities being associated with myocardial ischaemia.¹ Given the wealth of evidence supporting the benefits of exercise for primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, individuals should be restricted from competitive sport only when a substantial risk of adverse event or disease progression is present. These recommendations aim to encourage regular physical activity including participation in sports and, with reasonable precaution, ensure a high level of safety for all individuals with coronary artery disease. The present document is based on available current evidence, but in most instances because of lack of evidence, also on clinical experience and expert opinion.

Myocarditis in Athletes Is a Challenge: Diagnosis, Risk Stratification, and Uncertainties

Presentation of myocarditis in athletes is heterogeneous and establishing the diagnosis is challenging with no current uniform clinical gold standard. The combined information from symptoms, electrocardiography, laboratory testing, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and in certain cases endomyocardial biopsy helps to establish the diagnosis. Most patients with myocarditis recover spontaneously; however, athletes may be at higher risk of adverse cardiac events. Based on scarce evidence and mainly autopsy studies and expert's opinions, current recommendations generally advise abstinence from competitive sports ranging from a minimum of 3 to 6 months. However, the dilemma poses that (un)necessary prolonged disqualification of athletes to avoid adverse cardiac events can cause considerable disruption to training schedules and tournament preparation and lead to a decline in performance and ability to compete. Therefore, better risk stratification tools are imperatively needed. Using latest available data, this review contrasts existing recommendations and presents a new proposed diagnostic flowchart putting a greater focus on the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in athletes with suspected myocarditis. This may enable cardiac caregivers to counsel athletes with suspected myocarditis more systematically and furthermore allow for pooling of more unified data. To modify recommendations regarding sports behavior in athletes with myocarditis, evidence, based on large multicenter registries including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy, is needed. In the future, physicians might rely on combined novel risk stratification methods, by implementing both noninvasive and invasive tissue characterization methods.

Brief recommendations for participation in competitive sports of athletes with arterial hypertension: Summary of a Position Statement from the Sports Cardiology Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)

Owing to its undisputed multitude of beneficial effects, European Society of Cardiology guidelines advocate regular physical activity as a class IA recommendation for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, competitive athletes with arterial hypertension may be exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Guidance to physicians will be given in this summary of our recently published recommendations for participation in competitive sports of athletes with arterial hypertension.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in acute myopericarditis: 12-month clinical follow-up

Objective

Clinical data on the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in myopericarditis are limited. Since NSAIDs are standard therapy in pericarditis, we retrospectively investigated their safety in myopericarditis.

Methods

In a retrospective case-control study, we identified 60 patients with myopericarditis from September 2010 to August 2017. Diagnosis was based on clinical criteria, elevated high-sensitivity troponin T and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). All patients received standard heart failure therapy if indicated. Twenty-nine patients (62%) received NSAIDs (acetylsalicylic acid: n=7, average daily dose =1300 mg or ibuprofen: n=22, average daily dose =1500 mg) for an average duration of 4 weeks. To create two cohorts with similar baseline conditions, 15 patients were excluded. Three months after diagnosis, 29 patients were re-evaluated by CMR to measure late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

Results

Baseline characteristics of those treated with or without NSAIDs were similar. Mean age was 34 (±13) years, 6 (13%) were women. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 56% (±5). 82 % of the patients (14 of 17) treated with NSAIDs experienced a decrease in LGE at 3 months, while it was only 58 % (7 of 12) of those without NSAIDs (p=0.15). At 12-month follow-up, one of the patients treated without NSAIDs experienced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) with cardiac arrest, while one of the patients with NSAIDs experienced non-sustained VT.

Conclusions

This is the first case-control study demonstrating that NSAIDs are safe in patients with myopericarditis and preserved LVEF. Our data suggest that this drug class should be tested prospectively in a large randomised clinical trial.

Cardiovascular effects and risks of recreational alpine skiing in the elderly

OBJECTIVES

Alpine skiing is one of the most popular recreational winter sports and attracts millions of tourists every year alone in the Alpine region. Several studies highlight the positive effects of alpine skiing as aerobic physical training and isometric muscle activity that is able to increase exercise capacity and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. However, a certain cardiovascular risk mainly related to an abrupt increase of myocardial oxygen consumption during skiing especially in otherwise sedentary subjects and effects of hypoxia in untrained patients have to be acknowledged.

DESIGN

In this article, we provide an up-to-date evaluation of risks and benefits of alpine skiing in relation of cardiovascular disease and elderly persons.

METHODS

Narrative Review.

RESULTS

In the first section, the current recommendations of physical activity and effects of alpine skiing - with particular attention to the elderly population - are described. In the second section, the present knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk and alpine skiing is summarized and possible pathophysiological mechanisms are highlighted. Finally, a summary regarding actual clinical recommendations is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Alpine skiing may safely be recommended also to the elderly if certain precautions are applied, as the benefits outbalance the potential risks in most subjects.