Anterior T-wave inversion in black athletes: an African perspective

International sporting organisations are increasingly using ECG-based screening to identify athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).1 Since the introduction of athlete ECG interpretation criteria in 2005, numerous modifications have been made to improve their sensitivity and specificity.2 These include a nuanced classification of T-wave inversions (TWI), a potential feature of underlying cardiomyopathy. Since 2013, successive criteria have recommended that TWI confined to the anterior leads (V1–V4) and preceded by J-point elevation and convex ST-segment elevation in black athletes (BA) should be considered a physiological finding within the athlete’s heart spectrum—currently termed the ‘black athlete repolarisation variant’.2 This editorial examines the existing evidence and knowledge gaps in the clinical evaluation of anterior TWI in BA within Africa. The ‘black athlete repolarisation variant’: normal or abnormal? The prevalence of anterior TWI among healthy athletes varies with age, sex, sporting discipline and race.
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Tags: BJSM Editorial Source Type: research