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Int J Sports Med 2021; 42(10): 936-944
DOI: 10.1055/a-1323-3215
Clinical Sciences

Electrocardiographic Changes in Male and Female Amateur Marathon Runners: A Comparison Study

Zofia Lasocka 
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Anna Maria Kaleta
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
2   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Anna Faran
3   University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Ewa Szołkiewicz
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Krystian Przybyłowski
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Alicja Szołkiewicz
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Paulina Daniluk
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Grzegorz Raczak
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
,
Ewa Lewicka
1   Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Abstract

Physical training is gaining popularity among amateurs. Males and females exhibit different cardiac adaptation to exercise. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities before and after the marathon between sexes. 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed in 40 male (39±8 years) and 27 female (40±7 years) amateur runners: 2–3 weeks before (Stage 1) and immediately after (Stage 2) the marathon. Abnormalities in the resting (Stage 1) and exercise (Stage 2) electrocardiograms were compared between sexes. At rest left atrial enlargement was more frequent in females than males (48 vs. 20%; p<0.05). The incidence of right atrial enlargement was significantly more common at Stage 2 than 1, both in men (43 vs. 0%; p<0.001) and in women (48 vs. 4%; p=0.001). Significant increase of P-wave amplitude was found in male runners after the marathon (0.12±0.05 vs. 0.21±0.09 mV; p<0.001 Stage 1 vs. 2), but was absent in females. QTc prolongation was observed in both sexes, however to a higher degree in males (p<0.05 for the interaction stage and sex). Although both male and female amateur marathon runners exhibit abnormalities in resting and exercise electrocardiograms, men present more exercise-induced electrocardiographic changes, which might indicate a higher propensity for post-marathon arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic screening in amateurs should be considered.

Key words

athlete’s heart - electrocardiography - amateur runners - sports cardiology - QT interval


Publication History

Received: 08 April 2020

Accepted: 17 November 2020

Article published online:
23 February 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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