Introduction
It is not uncommon for the question of fitness for sport to arise in the case of existing cardiac arrhythmias. This depends primarily on the exact form of the cardiac dysrhythmia, but also and above all on whether or not a structural heart disease exists. Therefore, it is not possible to generalize whether or not a fitness for sport exists. This can only be determined by a cardiologist after appropriate examinations.
Preliminary investigations
If a cardiac arrhythmia is suspected, a cardiologist should be consulted, who should carry out the following examinations, especially when it comes to the question of fitness for sports: This will help to better isolate the cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, the long-term ECG can be used to find out whether there is a connection between the cardiac dysrhythmia and certain everyday activities such as sport. If the cardiac dysrhythmia increases during exercise, one should consider the presence of a structural heart disease such as coronary heart disease (CHD).
- An electrocardiogram (ECG), an ECG during exercise, which can be triggered, for example, by an operation on the bicycle ergometer,
- An echocardiography (ultrasound examination of the heart) and
- A long-term ECG over 24 hours.
If the cardiac arrhythmia causes a sudden loss of consciousness, certain sports should be avoided. These include things like: Also swimming can understandably bring certain dangers with itself and should be managed if then only under supervision. Swimming in lakes or the sea should be avoided.
Sports such as walking are recommended. If structural heart disease was detected during the examinations, the probability of developing a cardiac arrhythmia during sports activities is increased. In general, however, it should be borne in mind that there are few cases in which the risk of exercising is higher than the positive health effects of sport. This means that it is usually beneficial to regularly subject the body to light physical exercise, because physical activity has many beneficial effects on the body.
- Diving
- Skiing
- Cycling
- Riding or also
- Motorcycling