Study Links Heart Scar Tissue to Dangerous Rhythms in Older Male Athletes
A U.K. study finds scar tissue in the heart may increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms in healthy, long-time male endurance athletes over 50, highlighting the importance of monitoring and safety measures in sports.
Scar tissue in the heart may be linked to dangerous heart rhythms in otherwise healthy athletes, according to a U.K. study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. The study, named VENTOUX after a challenging Tour de France climb, involved 106 male cyclists and triathletes over age 50, revealing a significant association between myocardial fibrosis and ventricular tachycardia, a serious condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Researchers used cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and implanted ECG recorders to monitor participants, finding nearly half showed signs of heart scarring and a notable percentage experienced dangerous heart rhythms. Senior author Peter Swoboda emphasized the importance of awareness and preparedness, advising athletes with symptoms to seek medical attention and highlighting the value of CPR and automated external defibrillator knowledge.
The study's findings, while significant, come with limitations, including a small, specific participant group and the inability to definitively link scarring directly to arrhythmias. Funded by several health organizations, the research calls for further studies to explore these risks in women and non-athletes, aiming to ensure the safety of endurance sports participants as they age.