Sports participation and inherited cardiac conditions: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and balancing the risk

Editorials
Bradley Chambers
23/05/2024

Take home messages

  • High intensity exercise is known to increase risk of cardiac arrest in some ICC, as a result exercise has been traditionally advised against.
  • Studies show support for moderate intensity exercise in terms of mental health and cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Advances in treatment hopefully means athletes participating with better outcomes and reduced risk in the future.
  • Risk assessment and quality of life are vital and a balanced approach with shared decision making is essential and supported by the latest ESC guidance.
Introduction

The occurrence of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in sport is a traumatic event which has gained attention over recent years with incidents involving several high profile athletes. A large post-mortem follow-up study demonstrated that cardiac disease represents 15% of deaths in college age athletes. Inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) are the more frequent cause in athletes of a younger age (under 35) suffering sudden cardiac death. Exercise has been treated with high levels of caution in relation to cardiac conditions and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has provided nuanced guidance in more recent years as research has progressed.