Pathological Athlete’s Heart

The high risk of cardiac disorders and sudden cardiac death in athletes with the frequent absence of structural changes in the myocardium at autopsy brings to the agenda today a discussion of the problems of the adverse effects of intense loads of modern sports on the cardiovascular system of athletes and the development of heart pathology induced by physical activity. The review examines the evidence for the existence of this pathology, its various clinical manifestations, and pathogenesis. The work discusses the historical aspects of the athlete’s heart. The article raises the problems of recognition of sports myocardial pathology, its designation, and inclusion in the international classification of cardiomyopathies.