A prolonged QTc interval was present in 0.4% of elite athletes, with values >500 ms highly suggestive of long QT syndrome and values <500 ms unlikely to represent the disease.
Cross-Sectional (n=2,000)
In elite athletes, a prolonged QTc is rare (0.4%), and a QTc >500 ms is highly suggestive of true long QT syndrome, whereas a QTc <500 ms without symptoms or family history is unlikely to represent LQTS.
AIMS: Identification of a prolonged, corrected QT (QTc) interval in athletes may be a recommendation for disqualification from competitive sports. However, the prevalence and diagnostic significance of an isolated prolonged QTc in asymptomatic athletes without familial disease is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 1996 and 2006, 2000 elite athletes (mean age, 20.2 years) underwent 12-lead ECG and 2-D echocardiography. The QT interval was corrected for heart rate (QTc). Athletes with QTc > 460 ms underwent 48 h Holter monitor and an exercise stress test. All athletes with a prolonged QTc interval were offered genetic testing and first-degree relatives were invited for ECG. The QTc was prolonged in seven (0.4%) athletes ranging from 460 to 570 ms. Three athletes had a QTc value of >500 ms and all exhibited one of: paradoxical prolongation of QTc during exercise, a confirmatory genetic mutation, or prolonged QTc in a first-degree relative. In contrast, none of the athletes with a QTc value of 500 ms is highly suggestive of LQTS. A QTc of <500 ms in the absence of symptoms or familial disease is unlikely to represent LQTS in elite athletes.
Basavarajaiah et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Prolonged QTc interval (n=2,000). Prolonged QTc interval vs. Normal QTc interval was evaluated on Prevalence of prolonged QTc interval. A prolonged QTc interval was present in 0.4% of elite athletes, with values >500 ms highly suggestive of long QT syndrome and values <500 ms unlikely to represent the disease.
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