[Cardiac conduction disorders in athletes: diagnosis and management].

Background: The sino-atrial or atrio-ventricular conduction disturbances are commonly seen in athletes. They are due to predominant effect of the parasympathetic tone.

Aim: To describe the physiological cardiac adaptation to physical exercises and to specify the limits of this activity in front of persons with conduction abnormalities.

Methods: Review of literature and lecture of recommendations.

Results: conduction disturbances in athletes disappear during physical activities. Their frequency is variously reported in literature. These disorders should be well considered particularly when they are priors to sport practice and need definitive implantable devices. Such decision must be taken after a detailed evaluation of the nature of the physical activity wished and the conduction disturbance type.

Conclusion: The decision to allow competition should be take after a careful evaluation of the conduction disorder and the type of sport.