Electrocardiographic alterations in football referees after a day at rest. A descriptive study

Abstract

To describe the electrocardiographic changes in a group of professional soccer referees after a day of rest in Quito. Methodology: Descriptive and retrospective research. The study population consisted of 116 professional soccer referees, of whom 88 (75.8%) attended. A 12-lead ECG was performed after a day of inactivity, after obtaining their written consent. Results: 84.1% (n=74) were men. Median age 23.5 years. Electrocardiographic findings: normal ECG (n=24; 27.3%), ST-T segment abnormalities (n=48; 54.5%), QRS complex abnormalities (n=36; 40.9%), sinus bradycardia (n=17; 19.3%); right bundle branch block (n=9; 10.2%); an S1S2S3 electrical pattern (n=6; 6.8%); second- and third-degree atrioventricular block (n=4; 4.5%) and atrial fibrillation or flutter (n=4; 4.5%). Inferior myocardial injury was suggested in 9.1% (n=8) and anteroseptal myocardial injury in 34.1% (n=30) of cases. Conclusions: ECG after one day at rest revealed changes in cardiac repolarization, rhythm, and morphology, most of which were considered normal in the context of an “athlete’s heart.” However, there were also changes that suggest old myocardial ischemia, which undoubtedly merits a more in-depth and comprehensive study of the cardiovascular health of these referees.