Key result
Among 1005 elite athletes, 40% had abnormal ECGs and 15% showed distinctly abnormal patterns suggestive of cardiomyopathies in the absence of pathologic cardiac changes.
Why the study?
What is the prevalence and clinical significance of abnormal ECG patterns compared to cardiac morphology in elite athletes?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,005)
What is the prevalence and clinical significance of abnormal ECG patterns compared to cardiac morphology in elite athletes?
A significant proportion of elite athletes exhibit abnormal ECG patterns suggestive of cardiomyopathies without underlying structural heart disease, highlighting a potential limitation of routine ECG in preparticipation screening.
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Abnormal ECGs may overestimate cardiomyopathy risk in athletes; leaves open need for refined criteria and prospective validation.
Pelliccia et al. (2002) conducted a cross-sectional in Athlete's heart (n=1,005). ECG and two-dimensional echocardiography was evaluated on Abnormal ECG patterns. Among 1005 elite athletes, 40% had abnormal ECGs and 15% showed distinctly abnormal patterns suggestive of cardiomyopathies in the absence of pathologic cardiac changes.
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