Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Early Repolarization in Athletes: A Systematic Review

IF 1.1 4区医学 Q4 CARDIAC & CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology Pub Date : 2024-12-08 DOI:10.1111/anec.70032

Khaled Elenizi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Early repolarization (ER) is an electrocardiographic pattern characterized by J-point and ST-segment elevation, frequently observed in athletes. Initially deemed benign, recent studies suggest a possible association between ER and increased risks of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, necessitating a thorough examination of its clinical implications in athletes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE databases, focusing on articles related to ER in athletes. Search terms included “early repolarization,” and relevant studies were selected based on their focus on athletic populations. A total of 22 articles were included for detailed analysis.

Results

The review encompassed 22 studies with a combined total of 44,326 athletes, revealing an overall mean ER prevalence of 31.6 ± 17.6 (p < 0.001). Most common location in the inferolateral region at 32.28%. The prevalence varied significantly across studies, ranging from 7% to 89%, influenced by factors such as age, gender distribution, and athletic discipline. Male athletes exhibited a higher incidence of ER compared with females, and endurance athletes showed a greater prevalence than strength athletes.

Conclusion

ER is notably prevalent among athletes, especially males and those engaged in endurance sports. Current studies do not establish a direct association between ER and increased mortality in athletes. Further research is essential to refine risk stratification criteria and develop appropriate management strategies to ensure athlete safety while maintaining optimal performance levels.

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运动员早期复极的患病率和临床意义：一项系统综述。

早期复极（ER）是一种以j点和st段抬高为特征的心电图模式，常见于运动员。最初被认为是良性的，最近的研究表明，ER与心律失常和心源性猝死风险增加之间可能存在关联，有必要对其在运动员中的临床意义进行彻底的研究。方法：采用MEDLINE（通过PubMed）和EMBASE数据库进行综合文献综述，选取与运动员ER相关的文章。搜索词包括“早期再极化”，并根据对运动人群的关注选择相关研究。共纳入22篇文章进行详细分析。结果：该综述包括22项研究，共44326名运动员，揭示了ER的总体平均患病率为31.6±17.6 (p结论：ER在运动员中尤为普遍，尤其是男性和从事耐力运动的运动员。目前的研究并没有建立ER和运动员死亡率增加之间的直接联系。进一步的研究是必要的，以完善风险分层标准和制定适当的管理策略，以确保运动员的安全，同时保持最佳的表现水平。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology 医学-心血管系统

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The ANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY (A.N.E) is an online only journal that incorporates ongoing advances in the clinical application and technology of traditional and new ECG-based techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac patients. ANE is the first journal in an evolving subspecialty that incorporates ongoing advances in the clinical application and technology of traditional and new ECG-based techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac patients. The publication includes topics related to 12-lead, exercise and high-resolution electrocardiography, arrhythmias, ischemia, repolarization phenomena, heart rate variability, circadian rhythms, bioengineering technology, signal-averaged ECGs, T-wave alternans and automatic external defibrillation. ANE publishes peer-reviewed articles of interest to clinicians and researchers in the field of noninvasive electrocardiology. Original research, clinical studies, state-of-the-art reviews, case reports, technical notes, and letters to the editors will be published to meet future demands in this field.