Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Long-Term Incidence of Bradycardia and Pacemaker Implantations Among Cross-Country Skiers: A Cohort Study

CirculationPublished Cohort study

Authors' conclusion

In this study, male endurance skiers had a higher incidence of bradycardia and pacemaker implantations compared with nonskiers, a pattern not seen in women.

Study context

Population
Swedish cross-country skiers (Vasaloppet 1989–2011) and a sample of nonskiers
Participants
209,108 vs 532,290
Exposure
Cross-country skiers vs nonskiers
  • Skiersn = 209,108
  • Nonskiersn = 532,290reference
Outcome
Incidence of bradycardia and pacemaker implantations
Methodological detailsSwedish National Patient Register used to obtain diagnoses
  • Swedish National Patient Register used to obtain diagnoses

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Skiers vs NonskiersAdjusted hazard ratio (95% CI)
Men, bradycardia
1.19(1.05–1.34)
Men, pacemaker implantation
1.17(1.04–1.31)
Women, bradycardia
0.98(0.75–1.30)
Women, pacemaker implantation
0.98(0.75–1.29)

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

OutcomeaHR (95% CI)
Overall mortality0.16 (0.15–0.17)

Pacemaker indication

Sick sinus syndrome more common in skiers; third-degree AV block more common in nonskiers

Overall mortality

No differences in mortality by pacemaker status among skiers

Original publication

Long-Term Incidence of Bradycardia and Pacemaker Implantations Among Cross-Country Skiers: A Cohort Study. Circulation. Published 5 August 2024. doi:10.1161/circulationaha.123.068280

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