QT interval and QT dispersion in endurance athletes and in power athletes using large doses of anabolic steroids

Am J Cardiol. 1999 Aug 1;84(3):364-6, A9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(99)00299-4.

Abstract

We measured electrocardiographic repolarization indexes in athletes. Physiologic adaptive cardiac hypertrophy did not increase QT dispersion in endurance athletes despite long QT intervals due to increased vagal tone. In contrast, power athletes taking large doses of anabolic steroids had increased QT dispersion despite short QT intervals, which seems to reflect altered myocardium in the hypertrophied heart.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Finland
  • Heart Conduction System / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / complications
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Running
  • Sports*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones