Spotlight on Special Populations: Diagnosing AFib with Precision-2. Spotlight Diagnosing AFib Athletes & Physically Active

2. Spotlight Diagnosing AFib Athletes & Physically Active

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Christy Coleman, Director of Electrophysiology Research at Lenox Hill Hospital, discusses diagnosing atrial fibrillation (AFib) in athletes. Although AFib prevalence is low among athletes, especially endurance athletes, it's increasing. Factors like sympathetic stimulation and atrial enlargement may contribute. Diagnosing AFib is challenging due to physiological adaptations like bradycardia. Extended monitoring, including wearables, is recommended. Anticoagulation and treatment should consider the athlete's sport, with catheter ablation suggested as a viable option. Ablation effectively maintains AF control without impairing performance, emphasizing the importance of tailored, patient-specific treatment and shared decision-making.

Keywords

atrial fibrillation

athletes

catheter ablation

diagnosis

wearable monitoring