Electrocardiographic Changes in Male and Female Amateur Marathon Runners: A Comparison Study.

Physical training is gaining popularity among amateurs. Males and females exhibit different cardiac adaptation to exercise. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities before and after the marathon between sexes.

The "athlete's heart" features in amateur male marathon runners.

Background: Training on a professional level can lead to cardiac structural adaptations called the "athlete's heart". As marathon participation requires intense physical preparation, the question arises whether the features of "athlete's heart" can also develop in recreational runners.

Methods: The study included 34 males (mean age 40 ± 8 years) who underwent physical examination, a cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiographic examination (ECHO) before a marathon.