A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging has identified scar tissue in the heart as potentially elevating the risk of sudden cardiac death among healthy, long-time male endurance athletes aged 50 or older. The research, involving 106 male cyclists and triathletes, found that nearly half exhibited signs of scarring on the left ventricle, with a small percentage experiencing dangerous heart rhythms. Named VENTOUX after a challenging Tour de France climb, the study utilized cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and ECG recorders to monitor participants over two years. Findings revealed a strong association between myocardial fibrosis and ventricular tachycardia, a serious condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Senior author Peter Swoboda emphasized the importance of athletes seeking medical attention for symptoms like chest pain or dizziness and advocated for CPR and AED knowledge among those involved in sports. The study's methodology, detailed in the journal, provides critical insights into cardiovascular adaptations in aging athletes. Despite its findings, the research acknowledges limitations, including a small, homogeneous sample and an inability to definitively link scarring directly to arrhythmias. This highlights the need for broader studies to confirm causality and explore mechanisms.
Funded by several health organizations, the research underscores the necessity for further investigation into the cardiovascular risks faced by aging athletes, including women and non-European populations. The implications extend to clinical practice, suggesting that routine screening for myocardial fibrosis might be considered for older endurance athletes, though more evidence is required. For additional information on cardiovascular imaging techniques, refer to https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.123.015123. The study contributes to ongoing debates about the long-term effects of intense exercise on heart health, balancing known benefits against potential risks like fibrosis and arrhythmia.
