Study population
We report a retrospective registry of athletes referred to our Sports Cardiology Center (Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS) for AF CA in the last five years. All athletes were previously declared non-eligible to competitive sport at pre-participation screening because of recurrences of AF or evidence of persistent asymptomatic AF. Sedentary patients without any structural heart disease were matched with athletes based on age and sex.
All patients underwent a complete clinical assessment including ECG, echocardiogram and thyroid function test. A full medical history and a query for drug use (especially performance-enhancing drugs) were included. Additional diagnostic tests were performed if needed.