THE "ATHLETE'S HEART" PHENOMENON IN THE CENTRAL ASIAN POPULATION: SPECIFIC ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF UZBEK ATHLETES AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47390/Med-pro/v3i7y2025/N04Keywords:
athlete's heart, sudden cardiac death, athlete's ECG, left ventricular hypertrophy, screening, ESC recommendations.Abstract
Objective: To analyze electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of the heart in athletes and military personnel of Uzbekistan according to international consensus (ESC 2022, AHA/ACC) and to develop practical recommendations for screening sudden death risk factors in individuals engaged in physical activities.
Methods: The study involved 75 highly qualified athletes and 44 military personnel. All participants underwent ECG and echocardiography. The obtained data were compared with the "Seattle Criteria" (2013) and new ESC recommendations on sports cardiology (2022).
Results: Characteristic adaptive changes were identified: sinus bradycardia (4%), first-degree AV block (3%), QT interval prolongation (346±26 ms). The left ventricular mass index in athletes was 130.88±3.17 g/m², which exceeds ESC 2022 threshold values, but with preserved systolic and diastolic function corresponds to the model of concentric physiological hypertrophy. Military personnel also predominantly exhibited concentric left ventricular hypertrophy associated with the nature of their training.
Conclusion: The study results generally align with international data but demonstrate specific features in the Uzbek population that require consideration when developing national screening protocols.
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