The study specifically focused on elite athletes, a group that could be particularly susceptible to heart issues, particularly heart inflammation, post-COVID-19 due to their intense physical activity. "We wanted to know if COVID-19 posed a risk to this group, who push their bodies and hearts to the limit," says Harald Jorstad, a sports cardiologist at Amsterdam UMC.
Two Year Follow-Up
Of the 259 athletes followed in the study, spread across sports as diverse as cycling and water polo, 123 had contracted COVID-19. They were initially assessed around four months after their infection and followed for an average of 27 months. While some athletes who had had COVID-19 did show a slightly elevated resting heart rate, there were no significant differences in overall heart function. Crucially, they also found no increase in arrythmias or sudden cardiac deaths.
"Interestingly, four of the athletes did show clear peri-myocardial involvement due to their COVID-19 infection. But the good news is that even these athletes were able to continue their professional careers and remain competitive at the highest levels without further heart issues," adds van Hattum. The finding of four athletes, around 3%, with heart involvements echo other studies that show heart inflammation as a consequence of a COVID-19 infection.
Jorstad concludes, "Our study should be reassuring for athletes and about the impact of COVID-19 on the heart. Based on what we've seen, heart involvement is rare and the risks appear to be minimal, even for those returning to intensive sports activities
