Twenty-two subjects with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) electrocardiographic pattern performing agonistic physical activity were referred to our laboratory to assess arrhythmogenic risk (group 1). This allowed us to evaluate a less known aspect, namely that of effects of training on the electrophysiologic properties of the atrium and accessory pathway. This was done utilizing a control group of 10 WPW patients who did not perform agonistic physical activity (group 2). All subejcts were symptom free, and without signs of associated cardiopathy if we exclude 1 patient of group 1 who presented moderate mitral valve prolapse. Group 1 patients showed significantly higher mean values for basic cycle length (p < 0.001), atrial effective (p < 0.04) and functional (p < 0.02) refractory period, and anterograde effective refractory period of the accessory pathway (p < 0.02). The different behavior observed in group 1 patients could be explained considering the known influence of training on the equilibrium of the autonomic nervous system. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the two groups did not differ for inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF). This should be taken into account considering the importance of AF in WPW. In conclusion, our study does not demonstrate any negative electrophysiologic effects of training in patients with WPW.

Keywords:
Accessory pathway, Refractory period, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
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© 1990 S. Karger AG, Basel
1990
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