The Electrocardiogram in Athletes Revisited

Abstract

Cardiovascular-related sudden death is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport. Thus, it is of clinical importance to identify ECG changes that represent normal adaptation in athletes, and differentiate them from truly pathological findings. However, a distinction between adaptive and pathological ECG changes in athletes is not always easy. This article discusses exercise-induced ECG changes and the differential diagnosis of conditions that present with similar ECG patterns.