Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes

For athletes, the risk of experiencing irregular heart rhythms, also known as atrial fibrillation (AF), is 2.5 times higher than it is for nonathletes, according to a research review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2021; doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-103994).

Canterbury Christ Church University researchers in England conducted the review to better understand the prevalence of AF among athletes and to determine contributing factors. Investigators analyzed 13 studies with data on 70,478 subjects.

Data analysis showed that, overall, AF risk was 2.46 times higher among athletes than nonathletes. When controlled for heart disease risk factors, athletes had a 3.7 times higher risk of AF than nonathletes. Athletes under 55 years were 3.6 times more likely to have irregular heart rhythms than older athletes, who were 76% more likely to have the condition than older nonathletes. Mixed-sport participants had a greater risk of atrial fibrillation than aerobic endurance exercisers.

Researchers noted a lack of high-quality studies for determining what the maximum safest regular “dose” of exercise is before AF risk becomes significant. Also, while female athletes were included in some studies, that data was limited. The study authors would like to see more research done, including larger studies that involve both male and female athletes and that clearly measure years and volume of training.

See also: Some Physical Activity May Not Benefit Heart Health