title: Sports participation in long QT syndrome.
abstract: Untreated congenital long QT syndrome may result in potentially lethal ventricular tachycardia. In the most common type, risk of such an event has been linked to exercise. This originally resulted in very restrictive guidelines for sports participation in affected individuals. Although the complex interactions of a specific genotype, modifying cofactors, and risk are only now being explored, scientific evidence based on clinical experience now suggests that in many instances such restrictive guidelines are unwarranted. In particular, patients with this condition who are compliant with β-blocker therapy and who have never had symptoms during exertion are now enjoying the benefits of athletic activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Cardiology,Cleveland Clinic Main Campus,Cleveland,Ohio,United States of America.
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Aziz
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Cardiology,Cleveland Clinic Main Campus,Cleveland,Ohio,United States of America.
authors.forename: Elizabeth V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Saarel
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D013177:Sports; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
keywords: Long QT syndrome; athlete; sports participation; sudden death