Endurance Sports and Atrial Fibrillation
Author Information
Author(s): Marina Ostojic, Mladen Ostojic, Olga Petrovic, Olga Nedeljkovic-Arsenovic, Francesco Perone, Marko Banovic, Tamara Stojmenovic, Dragutin Stojmenovic, Vojislav Giga, Branko Beleslin, Ivana Nedeljkovic
Primary Institution: University Clinical Center of Serbia
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms and implications of atrial fibrillation in endurance athletes?
Conclusion
Endurance athletes may be at increased risk for atrial fibrillation due to prolonged training and associated cardiac changes.
Supporting Evidence
- Endurance athletes are at higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation due to intense training.
- Vigorous exercise was correlated with an increased risk of AF in individuals below 50 years old.
- AF prevalence is 2 to 10 times higher in high-intensity endurance athletes compared to sedentary individuals.
- Genetic predisposition may also play a role in the onset of AF in athletes.
- Long-term endurance training can lead to structural changes in the heart that predispose to AF.
Takeaway
People who do a lot of intense exercise, like running or cycling, might have a higher chance of getting a heart problem called atrial fibrillation.
Methodology
This review analyzes existing studies on the relationship between endurance sports and atrial fibrillation.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the self-reported nature of exercise habits and the variability in study designs.
Limitations
The existing data on the association between AF and endurance exercise remain inconclusive.
Participant Demographics
The study primarily focuses on male endurance athletes, with some references to female athletes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.12 to 2.09
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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