Electrocardiographic Changes in Male and Female Amateur Marathon Runners: A Comparison Study

Zofia Lasocka; Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka; Anna Maria Kaleta; Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka; Anna Faran; Ewa Szołkiewicz; Krystian Przybyłowski; Alicja Szołkiewicz; Paulina Daniluk; Grzegorz Raczak; Ewa Lewicka

doi:10.1055/a-1323-3215

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2021; 42(10): 936-944
DOI: 10.1055/a-1323-3215

Clinical Sciences

Electrocardiographic Changes in Male and Female Amateur Marathon Runners: A Comparison Study

Zofia Lasocka

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Anna Maria Kaleta

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka

²Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Anna Faran

³University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Ewa Szołkiewicz

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Krystian Przybyłowski

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Alicja Szołkiewicz

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Paulina Daniluk

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Grzegorz Raczak

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

,

Ewa Lewicka

¹Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Physical training is gaining popularity among amateurs. Males and females exhibit different cardiac adaptation to exercise. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities before and after the marathon between sexes. 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed in 40 male (39±8 years) and 27 female (40±7 years) amateur runners: 2–3 weeks before (Stage 1) and immediately after (Stage 2) the marathon. Abnormalities in the resting (Stage 1) and exercise (Stage 2) electrocardiograms were compared between sexes. At rest left atrial enlargement was more frequent in females than males (48 vs. 20%; p<0.05). The incidence of right atrial enlargement was significantly more common at Stage 2 than 1, both in men (43 vs. 0%; p<0.001) and in women (48 vs. 4%; p=0.001). Significant increase of P-wave amplitude was found in male runners after the marathon (0.12±0.05 vs. 0.21±0.09 mV; p<0.001 Stage 1 vs. 2), but was absent in females. QTc prolongation was observed in both sexes, however to a higher degree in males (p<0.05 for the interaction stage and sex). Although both male and female amateur marathon runners exhibit abnormalities in resting and exercise electrocardiograms, men present more exercise-induced electrocardiographic changes, which might indicate a higher propensity for post-marathon arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic screening in amateurs should be considered.

Key words

athlete’s heart - electrocardiography - amateur runners - sports cardiology - QT interval

Full Text

References

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