Peak systolic blood pressure during preparticipation exercise testing in 12,083 athletes: age, sex, and workload-indexed values and predictors.

Aim: Assessment of blood pressure during exercise is routine in athletes, but normal values remain equivocal. This study examines the response of systolic blood pressure (SBP) to exercise in a large cohort of athletes and establishes normative values by sex and age.

Methods: Competitive athletes free of cardiovascular disease underwent pre-participation exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer.

Diving Deep into Arrhythmias: Unravelling the Impact of Underwater Environments on Premature Ventricular Complexes in Divers.

This review examines the relationship between the physiological demands of diving and premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in divers. In the general population, some individuals have a greater tendency to experience PVCs, often without awareness or a clear understanding of the triggering factors. With the increasing availability and popularity of both scuba and apnoea diving, more people, including those with a predisposition to PVCs, are engaging in these activities.

Comparing Conventional Physician-Led Education with VR Education for Pacemaker Implantation: A Randomized Study.

Introduction: Education of patients prior to an invasive procedure is pivotal for good cooperation and knowledge retention. Virtual reality (VR) is a fast-developing technology that helps educate both medical professionals and patients.

Objective: To prove non-inferiority of VR education compared to conventional education in patients prior to the implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM).

Virtual Reality for Patient Education about Hypertension: A Randomized Pilot Study.

Background: Hypertension challenges arise in part from poor adherence due to inadequate patient education. VR offers immersive learning to improve hypertension knowledge.

Objective: To compare VR education with traditional verbal education to improve hypertension knowledge.

Exercise-Induced Blood Pressure Dynamics: Insights from the General Population and the Athletic Cohort.

Blood pressure (BP) dynamics during graded exercise testing provide important insights into cardiovascular health, particularly in athletes. These measurements, taken during intense physical exertion, complement and often enhance our understanding beyond traditional resting BP measurements. Historically, the challenge has been to distinguish 'normal' from 'exaggerated' BP responses in the athletic environment.

Preparticipation Screening of Athletes: The Prevalence of Positive Family History.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of death among athletes, and those with a positive family history (FH) of SCD and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be at increased risk. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of positive FH of SCD and CVD in athletes using four widely used preparticipation screening (PPS) systems. The secondary objective was to compare the functionality of the screening systems.