Atrial Electromechanical Function in Endurance Athletes With and Without Atrial Fibrillation
Last updated on July 2021Recruitment
- Recruitment Status
- Active, not recruiting
- Estimated Enrollment
- Same as current
Summary
- Conditions
- Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
- Type
- Observational
- Design
- Observational Model: Case-ControlTime Perspective: Cross-Sectional
Participation Requirements
- Age
- Between 45 years and 65 years
- Gender
- Only males
Description
Regular physical activity, including vigorous exercise, lowers cardiovascular risk factors, including the risk of developing Atrial Fibrillation (AF), one of the most commonly diagnosed types of arrhythmias. Paradoxically, despite the cardioprotective effects of exercise, middle aged endurance athle...
Regular physical activity, including vigorous exercise, lowers cardiovascular risk factors, including the risk of developing Atrial Fibrillation (AF), one of the most commonly diagnosed types of arrhythmias. Paradoxically, despite the cardioprotective effects of exercise, middle aged endurance athletes are at 5 fold risk of developing AF compared to active individuals. Long standing endurance training induces significant changes to the heart- collectively known as the 'athlete's heart.' While these changes may be beneficial for performance, they may be conducive in promoting the risk of AF in this cohort. The aim of this study is to compare cardiac structure and function in endurance athletes diagnosed with AF (n=17) and in healthy aged matched endurance athletes (n=17). Male subjects between ages 45 and 65 years old with a long-standing history of endurance training and competition will be recruited. Heart structure and function will be compared at rest and during submaximal exercise. Participants will also complete fitness assessments and questionnaires that characterize their lifetime involvement in exercise training. This study will address the gap in the literature regarding the interaction of endurance training and AF risk.
Tracking Information
- NCT #
- NCT03305744
- Collaborators
- Unity Health Toronto
- Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Emily Vecchiarelli, BKin University of Toronto Principal Investigator: Jack Goodman, PhD University of Toronto Principal Investigator: Paul Dorian, MD Unity Health Toronto