Abstract

We used continuous electrocardiographic monitoring according to Holters method for a tentative evaluation of the prognostic value of the main electrocardiographic peculiarities of the athletes heart. Five hundred and eighty-seven Holter recordings were performed in 164 top athletes divided into three groups: dynamic, static and mixed. Selection criteria were either clinical or electrical (Resting-ECG). The progostic value of arrhythmia is variable: unworrying junctional rhythm (JR) and auriculo-ventricular blocks AVB) that disappeared under strain, which in our study interested mostly the dynamic-group. No pejorative prognostic criteria were found related to supraventricular premature beats (SVPB). Ventricular premature beats (VPB) of recent occurrence were predominantly found, in our study, in the static athletes; their occurrence was not always accounted for and their prognosis, at least as regards sports, was uncertain. Holters repeated throughout the sports season made it possible to established a relationship between some peculiarities and the training intensiveness: auriculo-ventricular block and junction ryhthm culminated during intensive periods. Unusual sinus tachycardia would be indicative of over-training. Verf.-Referat