Premature ventricular beats in athletes: to detrain or not to detrain?

Long-term physical activity induces structural, functional and electrical changes in the heart, reflecting adaptive physiological responses to the increased cardiac output during exercise.1 These effects are usually reversible after short detraining periods. Differentiating between exercise-induced cardiac changes and early signs of cardiac pathology often poses a clinical challenge, especially in so-called ‘grey zone’ (borderline) cases.1 This editorial presents the rationale and considerations for a period of detraining in the diagnostic evaluation of athletes with premature ventricular beats (PVBs). Ultrastructural changes related to physical activity and ventricular arrhythmogenesis Evidence suggests that intense physical exercise and training may increase the propensity to develop arrhythmias.2 Studies have shown that endurance athletes may exhibit a higher incidence of bradyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, while the association between physical training and ventricular arrhythmias remains debated.2 The mechanisms linking the athlete’s heart to arrhythmias, which range from...
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Tags: Open access, BJSM Editorial Source Type: research