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Int J Sports Med 1983; 04(1): 9-13
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1026009
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Complete Heart Block and Physical Performance

N. Hanne-Paparo*, Y. Drory**, J. J. Kellermann**
  • *Department of Research and Sports Medicine, Wingate Institute for Physical Education & Sports, Natanya, Israel
  • **Unit of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Haim Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Complete heart block (CCHB) is a very rare finding. The problems in such patients are: additional heart malformations, the appearance of Stockes-Adams or syncopal attacks, and the occurrence of different grades of ectopy. Most patients with CCHB without structural heart disease develop normally and can lead a normal life. If there are no Stockes-Adams attacks or high grades of ectopy at rest and exercise, they have a normal physical capacity and can perform strenuous work and sports. Increased stroke volume, cardiac enlargement, and extraction of very large amounts of oxygen from the blood were found to be compensatory mechanisms of adaptation. Some authors have discussed the possible role of training in this adaptation.

Key words

CCHB - Stokes-Adams attacks - premature beats - maximal ventricular rate - physical performance