Exercise blood pressure response does not differentiate endurance athletes with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Abstract

AIM: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more prevalent among endurance athletes than in the general population. An exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise may contribute to atrial pressure excess and AF risk. We hypothesised that higher exercise BP would be associated with left atrial enlargement and AF prevalence in endurance athletes. METHODS: 178 endurance-trained athletes, 89 with paroxysmal AF [median age 55 (IQR: 46-62 years), 92% male] and 89 age- and sex-matched athletes without AF underwent resting echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing with automated BP measurements. Athletes with hypertension were excluded. Absolute BP responses (maximal systolic (SBPmax) and ..