Athletic dysrhythmias. A case report and review of the phenomenon of the 'athlete's heart'.
A 36-year-old athlete was anaesthetised for a minor surgical procedure. His heart rate fell to 30 beats/minute during the operation, the electrocardiogram showed A-V junctional rhythm. Sinus rhythm of 58 beats/minute was restored by atropine 1.2 mg. His resting 12-lead electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia and features consistent with a diagnosis of 'athlete's heart'. A review is presented of the physiological and electrocardiographical features of this phenomenon. The current popularity of running as a leisure pursuit makes it important that anaesthetists recognise the peculiarities of the trained athletic heart.
D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000209:etiology*; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000209:etiology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D012420:Running