Training, Competition & Health

Abstract

Background and rationale: Resting ECG is an essential diagnostic tool in sports medicine. Modern mobile 22-lead Vector ECG device (V-ECG) using only four electrodes has become available to record ECG via mobile devices. In order to implement the V ECG in sports medicine, it is essential that the V-ECG is diagnostically equal to the standard 12-lead resting ECG (R-ECG). This study was designed to present a head-to-head comparison of the V-ECG with the R-ECG in elite athletes.Methods: In 102 adult eliteathletes the V-ECG was recorded additionally to the R-ECG. These ECGs were compared in standard parameters and in the international criteria of electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes.Results: Differences were registered in the cardiac axis, absolute QRS amplitudes, signs of ventricular hypertrophy, R/S ratio and polarity of the T wave. Consequently, differences in sports related ECG findings (increased QRS voltage, incomplete right bundle branch block, T wave inversion and pathologic Q wave) were observed.Summary: Due to the simple handling, V-ECG is a technically beneficial method of ECG registration. At the moment, it can only be used as a supplement to the R-ECG in sports medicine. It is essential that the characteristic differences are always considered when interpreting the V ECG. Key Words: International Criteria of Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes, Preparticipation Evaluation in Athletes, Mobile Device, Sudden Cardiac Death, Sports Cardiology