Int J Sports Med 2017; 38(08): 573-581
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-107240
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Brugada Syndrome and Exercise Practice: Current Knowledge, Shortcomings and Open Questions

Giuseppe Mascia
1   Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
,
Elena Arbelo
3   Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Arrhythmia Section, University of Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona, Spain
,
Jaime Hernández-Ojeda
3   Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Arrhythmia Section, University of Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona, Spain
,
Francesco Solimene
2   Clinica Montevergine, Electrophysiology Unit, Mercogliano, Italy
,
Ramon Brugada
4   Cardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona (Spain), Girona, Spain
,
Josep Brugada
3   Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Arrhythmia Section, University of Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona, Spain
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 23 March 2017

Publication Date:
18 June 2017 (online)

Abstract

Since its recognition as a clinical entity in 1992, the Brugada Syndrome (BrS), a hereditary disease characterized by a typical electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern potentially predisposing to sudden cardiac death (SCD), has attracted the attention of many physicians for its circadian pattern of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), mostly occurring at rest. Exercise may potentially worsen the ECG abnormalities in BrS patients, resulting in higher peak J-point amplitudes during the vasovagal reaction of the recovery period, possibly leading to an increased risk of cardiac events. Moreover, the enhanced vagal tone in athletes could be both a BrS risk factor and an exercise effect. Therefore, the true risk of a BrS patient during exercise is still unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge, shortcomings and open questions on BrS and exercise. The paper, in particular, underlines specific considerations including BrS diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis in athletes, the genetic basis, the autonomic imbalance during exercise practice and the recommendations for athletic participation in this patient group.

 
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