Resting Tachycardia in an Athlete

Abstract

a g PRESENTATION The recognition of cardiac arrhythmias is of great importance in the medical evaluation of competitive athletes. Arrhythmias may limit athletic performance, render athletes non-eligible, or even lead to sudden death. Resting tachycardia in an athlete is rare but warrants a thorough evaluation. A 19-year-old varsity college baseball player was referred to a pediatric cardiologist for evaluation of resting tachycardia. He had been healthy and athletic, participating in many different sports. Although resting tachycardia had been noted during his annual physical fitness exams since early childhood, no further workup had been pursued. One month prior to his pediatric cardiologist visit, he had experienced an episode of chest tightness and shortness of breath after a long baseball practice. He reported no syncope, dizziness, orthopnea, or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. He denied using tobacco, drugs, or performance-enhancing supplements or herbs.