Cardiac Arrhythmia Assessment in Endurance Athletes
Study Overview
This study compared two methods for tracking heart rhythm in endurance athletes with atrial fibrillation (AF). It aimed to evaluate how well a patch electrocardiogram (ECG) detects heart issues compared to a more established insertable cardiac monitor.
Study Design
It was a prospective cohort study involving endurance athletes diagnosed with paroxysmal AF, who were taking part in a controlled trial on training effects.
Participants
Twenty-nine non-elite endurance athletes received the patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor) to monitor heart rhythms continuously. They were also monitored with the insertable cardiac monitor (Confirm Rx, Abbott).
Key Findings
- Only 14 athletes (average age 60.4 years) used the patch ECG, totaling 2987 hours of monitoring over an average of 14 days.
- During this time, athletes completed 112 training sessions.
- Recording quality varied: 16% poor quality during cross-country skiing and 40% during running.
- The patch ECG detected AF episodes that were confirmed by the insertable monitor.
- One technical issue led to a false alarm for ventricular tachycardia.
Conclusion
Patch ECG monitoring was effective for endurance athletes; however, recording quality fluctuated based on the individual and type of exercise.
Trial Registration
This study is registered under NCT04991337 as part of a related randomized controlled trial.
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