Cardiology in review
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Cardiac arrhythmias in the athlete are a frequent cause for concern. Some arrhythmias may be benign and asymptomatic, but others may be life threatening and a sign that serious cardiovascular disease is present. Physicians often are consulted with regard to arrhythmias, or symptoms consistent with arrhythmias, in athletes. ⋯ In these conditions, the arrhythmia generally is life threatening. Ventricular arrhythmias that occur in the athlete without structural heart disease are not thought to be life threatening. Athletes with structural heart disease and syncope and those with exertional syncope merit a complete evaluation.