Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Understanding the Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes: a Case-control Study

This study aims to understand why some athletes might be more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation. While exercise is generally good for the heart, intense training might increase this risk. Researchers will compare athletes who have atrial fibrillation with those who don't. They will use detailed heart scans (like ultrasound and MRI) and electrical recordings (ECGs) to see if there are differences in heart size, electrical activity, or fitness levels. The goal is to find out why this happens and to help doctors predict who might be at risk and suggest better, more tailored treatments for athletic individuals.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

200

Start

28 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

10 Oct 2026

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

What is this study about?

You've probably heard that exercise is great for your heart, and it generally is! However, there's a growing idea that for some people, especially those who do a lot of very intense exercise, there might be a point where too much exercise could slightly increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat. This condition is called atrial fibrillation, or AF for short.

Atrial fibrillation means the upper chambers of your heart beat very rapidly and irregularly, which can sometimes make you feel tired, dizzy, or breathless. In this study, we're trying to understand why some athletes might be more prone to developing AF. We think it could be due to a combination of things, such as slightly enlarged heart chambers, a very slow resting heart rate, genes, or even tiny scars inside the heart.

To figure this out, we will look closely at athletes who have AF and compare them with athletes who don't. We'll use special tests like heart scans (ultrasound and MRI) to check the size and structure of their hearts. We'll also use detailed ECGs to look at the electrical signals in their hearts, both at rest and during exercise. By comparing all this information, we hope to learn more about the link between intense exercise, heart changes, and AF. This knowledge could help doctors better identify athletes at risk and guide them towards the best ways to manage their heart health.

Key takeaways

Study examines irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) in athletes.
Investigates why intense exercise might increase this risk for some.
Uses detailed heart scans (ultrasound, MRI) and electrical tests (ECG).
Compares athletes with and without atrial fibrillation.
Aims to improve prediction and treatment for athletes.
Focuses on structural and electrical heart differences.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women who are at least 18 years old. To take part, you need to be a competitive athlete who has done a lot of endurance sports (over 1500 hours of moderate to high-intensity training) and has competed at least once in the last 10 years.

Crucially, you must also have a confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) that shows up on an ECG, whether it comes and goes (paroxysmal) or is constant (persistent).

However, you won't be able to join if your atrial fibrillation is permanent, or if you have certain other heart conditions. This includes if you've had a heart attack, significant narrowing of your arteries, very weak heart muscle, certain heart muscle diseases, complex heart defects you were born with, or if you have moderate to severe problems with your heart valves or very high blood pressure that isn't being controlled.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Do you have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation confirmed by an ECG?
Are you a competitive athlete who has trained for over 1500 hours in endurance sports and competed recently?
Have you *not* been diagnosed with permanent atrial fibrillation?
Do you *not* have other serious heart conditions like a past heart attack, very weak heart muscle, or severe valve problems?
Is your blood pressure controlled (if applicable)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves several different assessments to get a detailed picture of your heart health. You will undergo a high-quality electrocardiogram (ECG), which records your heart's electrical activity. You'll also have an ultrasound scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your heart, which are both ways to get detailed pictures of its structure and how well it's working. Additionally, you will do a cardiopulmonary exercise test, where your fitness will be measured while checking your heart's electrical activity during exercise. This study does not involve taking any new medications, does not specify the number of visits, or the total duration of your involvement.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help doctors understand more about atrial fibrillation in athletes, which may lead to better ways to predict and treat this condition in the future. As with any medical tests, there are some very small risks, such as mild discomfort during the exercise test or from lying still during the MRI. All procedures are carried out by trained professionals. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. University of Leicester. Glenfield Hospital.
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is when the top chambers of your heart beat irregularly and often too fast, which can sometimes make you feel tired or breathless.

Why are athletes being studied?

While exercise is good, intense, long-term training might sometimes increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, and researchers want to understand why.

What tests will I have?

You'll have heart scans (ultrasound, MRI), electrical heart recordings (ECG), and an exercise test to check your fitness.

Will I have to stop exercising?

The study doesn't mention restrictions on your regular exercise, but always discuss any concerns with the study team.

What will happen with the information they collect?

The information will help researchers better understand atrial fibrillation in athletes, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment in the future.

How to find out more

Cai L Davies

cld43@leicester.ac.uk +447765791818 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.