Ventricular arrhythmias in the athlete

Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in the athlete nearly always occur in the presence of structural heart disease. In the last few years, 2 new causes of life-threatening arrhythmias have been described in patients with normal hearts-that of the Brugada syndrome and that of commotio cordis. No n-life-threatening premature ventricular beats and even nonsustained Ventri cular tachycardia are not rare, and although usually benign, can be seconda ry to cardiomyopathies. Athletes with symptoms of syncope, especially if ex ertional, warrant a complete evaluation. The treatment of athletes and othe r individuals with life-threatening Ventricular arrhythmias has been revolu tionized by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a device that affor ds excellent protection from sudden death. Defining those athletes who woul d benefit from the implantable defibrillator is not always clear. Furthermo re, participation in competitive athletics for athletes with life-threateni ng arrhythmias or structural heart disease known to put the athlete at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias is usually prohibited. Curr Opin Cardiol 2001, 16:30-39 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.