Prevalence and clinical significance of negative T waves in sportsmen: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE Trained, healthy athletes frequently show 12-lead-ECG changes (sinus bradycardia, increased QRS-voltages, etc), generally regarded as physiological adaptation to athletic conditioning. Despite several studies, disagreement still exists on determinants and clinical significance of ventricular repolarization anomalies. METHODS Rest-ECG of the sportsmen evaluated at our Institution from 1979 to 2009 were analyzed, looking for the presence of negative T-waves >2 mm in depth in at least 3 leads (apart from III, aVR, V1). In selected cases the presence of conditions potentially responsible for these anomalies were retrospectively researched by means of clinical history and instrumental investigations (mainly echocardiography). Sportsmen with systemic diseases potentially affecting ECG (mainly hypertension), were excluded.