Return to professional football after ICD implantation in athlete with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

The risk of sports participation in elite athletes with cardiac disease with an indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is largely unknown. Currently, international guidelines provide restrictive sports advice for such athletes. This case report presents a professional football player who after an episode of syncope and diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy expressed a strong wish to explore the feasibility of returning to elite-level sports. After a shared decision-making and monitored stepwise graduated rehabilitation, the athlete made a full return to professional football. Our case indicates that individualised sports advice in elite athletes with cardiac disease and an ICD may be warranted.