EVALUATING A TRANSITORY RIGHT BUNDLE BRANCH BLOCK IN FOOTBALL PLAYER

Abstract

Background: Athletic heart is a non-pathological condition. The occurrence of arrhythmias or branch block in athletes should be taken seriously. Cardiac examinations performed by an experienced cardiologist are crucial for defining the true condition of the athlete's heart and the eventual prevention of sudden cardiac death. Case report A professional football player at the age of 22 years with no personal or familial history of cardiovascular disease is referred to a cardiologist for abnormal treadmill test results. The treadmill test was impressive for the RBBB pattern on the electrocardiogram (ECG) that was not revealed on his basic and native ECG. As mentioned before he had no history of cardiovascular disease and he had been playing football skillfully for 10 years. This case report represents the importance of the electrocardiogram as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the athlete’s heart. Conclusion Despite consensus documents, recommendations and guidelines for electrocardiogram interpretation in athletes this method lacks specificity and sensitivity and sometimes further evaluation is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.