Diagnosis and Prevention of Long QT Syndrome in Sports

The relationship between sports and cardiovascular health, highlighting that, although exercise offered significant benefits, it could also trigger serious events in individuals with hereditary heart conditions, such as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). This genetic channelopathy affected ventricular repolarisation, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, especially in athletes. LQTS was caused by mutations in specific genes and could manifest as syncope, palpitations or sudden death during physical exertion. Diagnosis required a detailed electrocardiographic evaluation, complicated by physiological changes induced by training. The use of genetic testing and the importance of family screening were also mentioned. Finally, it was highlighted that international guidelines allowed for individualised assessment to determine sports eligibility, promoting personalised medicine that protected the lives of athletes.