Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyResearch article
Isolated Nonischemic Left Ventricular Scar in Asymptomatic Athletes
- study
Authors' conclusion
NILVS in asymptomatic athletes may carry arrhythmic risk even in the absence of previous symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction. Athletes with NILVS and no gene mutations/family history are older and with a higher past exercise volume.
Study context
- Population
- Asymptomatic athletes diagnosed with isolated nonischemic left ventricular scar (NILVS) through preparticipation screening, with isolated NILVS involving at least 2 segments, no previous major arrhythmic events, available genetic testing and >1 year of follow-upathletes, including 9 elites, 90% males, 44 [range:33–52] years
- Participants
- 40 athletes
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Electrocardiogram abnormalities
Electrocardiogram abnormalities
48%
Further findings
Left ventricular ejection fraction
- Left ventricular ejection fraction was normal or mildly reduced
Genetic testing or family screening positive
- Genetic testing or family screening was positive
- 9 (23%)
Profile of athletes without familial/genetic background
- Athletes without familial/genetic background were older and declared higher cumulative years of sports activity
Sport participation and therapy · median follow-up time of 23 months
- continued noncompetitive sport
- 84%
- on beta-blocker therapy
- 73%
Safety
Major arrhythmic events · median follow-up time of 23 months
- Major arrhythmic events (resuscitated cardiac arrest and sustained ventricular tachycardia)
- Two
- both in athletes with a positive family history for NILVS, but negative genetic testing, and both during noncompetitive exercise
Original publication
Isolated Nonischemic Left Ventricular Scar in Asymptomatic Athletes. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Published 14 January 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jacep.2025.12.011
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it