Long QT Syndrome in Athletes: Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management

Long QT Syndrome in Athletes

Authors

  • Sokratis Pastromas Henry Dunant Hospital

Abstract

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited channelopathy characterized by a prolonged QT interval without structural heart disease posing a risk of sudden cardiac death. Especially in athletes, diagnosis is sometimes more difficult due to bradycardia and to the QT prolongation induced by the exercise. Based on limited clinical data which tend to demonstrate that exercise, especially swimming, is a trigger for cardiac events, participation in any competitive sports practice is not supported by 2020 European guidelines. However, based on retrospective studies and involving the patient-athlete in shared decision making, the 2015 US guidelines are more lenient. Rhythmos 2021;16(4): 79-81.

Downloads

Published

2021-10-30

Issue

Section

Review