A new study involving 121 former elite rowers from Australia, including former Olympians, has found that one in five develops atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm condition linked to stroke and heart failure. Surprisingly, these athletes are nearly seven times more likely to develop AFib than the general population, despite having fewer typical risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Published in the European Heart Journal, the research highlights that AFib risk in elite athletes is influenced by both a lifetime of intense training and genetic predisposition. The study was conducted by Professor André La Gerche and his team at the Heart, Exercise and Research Trials (HEART) Laboratory, supported by St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
The retired rowers, aged 45 to 80, underwent advanced cardiac tests, including MRIs, ECGs, and genetic analysis. The results revealed that AFib can develop silently, with some athletes unaware of their condition until screening. Professor La Gerche emphasized the paradox: “AFib is a side effect of endurance exercise, and it can have serious consequences if missed.“
Professor Diane Fatkin, who led the genetic analysis, noted that the risk persists long after retirement. “We found more cases of AFib during follow-ups, underscoring the need for ongoing heart monitoring in retired athletes,” she explained.
While the study provides critical insights, questions remain. Researchers aim to uncover how genetic variations increase AFib risk and whether treatments should differ for athletes. Professor La Gerche stressed the importance of balance: “Athletes live healthier lives overall. This research isn’t about discouraging sports but making them safer.”
The study marks a significant step in understanding and preventing heart rhythm disorders in elite athletes, paving the way for targeted early interventions.
Add comment