Arrhythmias in an athlete: the effect of de-training

Abstract

A 53 year old athlete with a history of severe palpitations and lightheadedness presented for a second opinion. He was found to exhibit very frequent atrial ectopy, frequent runs of symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia, and sinus bradycardia at rest. During exercise testing, his tachyarrhythmias increased in relation to the duration and intensity of exercise. A therapeutic trial of de-training was suggested. As a result, his symptoms completely resolved with a marked reduction in the frequency of atrial arrhythmia. Repeat exercise testing revealed an excellent exercise tolerance with no atrial ectopy. De-training should be considered when athletes present with arrhythmias.