Male amateur marathon runners presented more exercise-induced ECG changes than females, including a significant increase in P-wave amplitude (0.21 vs 0.12 mV; p<0.001) and greater QTc prolongation.
Observational (n=67)
Does running a marathon cause different electrocardiographic changes in male versus female amateur runners?
Male amateur marathon runners exhibit more pronounced exercise-induced electrocardiographic changes than females, suggesting a potentially higher propensity for post-marathon arrhythmias.
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.
Lasocka et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Amateur marathon runners (n=67). Marathon running vs. Baseline (pre-marathon) and between sexes was evaluated on Incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities before and after the marathon between sexes. Male amateur marathon runners presented more exercise-induced ECG changes than females, including a significant increase in P-wave amplitude (0.21 vs 0.12 mV; p<0.001) and greater QTc prolongation.