Athletic heart syndrome

Athletic heart syndrome (AHS), also known as athlete's heart, is a medical condition often seen in sports medicine, characterized by various cardiac adaptations due to intense physical exercise. The condition is generally benign, but may occasionally hide a serious medical diagnosis, or may even be mistaken for one.

Overview

Athletic heart syndrome is a term used to describe the physiological changes that occur in the heart of individuals who regularly engage in intense physical activity. These changes include structural and functional adaptations that are generally beneficial and are a response to the increased workload required by prolonged athletic training.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The most common symptoms of athletic heart syndrome are bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) and cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart), particularly left ventricular hypertrophy. However, many athletes with athletic heart syndrome are asymptomatic, and the condition is often discovered during routine medical examinations or cardiac screening.

Diagnosis of athletic heart syndrome is typically made through a combination of electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and exercise stress testing. These tests can help distinguish athletic heart syndrome from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Treatment and Prognosis

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for athletic heart syndrome. The changes seen in the heart are generally reversible and will return to normal after a period of deconditioning. However, if an athlete is experiencing symptoms or if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, further testing may be required.

The prognosis for athletic heart syndrome is generally excellent. However, it is important for athletes and their healthcare providers to be aware of the condition, as it can sometimes be mistaken for a more serious heart condition.

See Also

• Sports medicine
• Cardiology
• Exercise physiology