Role of Early Detection Tools for Preventing Cardiac Arrest in Athletes
Preventing Cardiac Arrest in Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1071/ejmbs.v6i1.79Keywords:
Sudden cardiac arrest, athletes, early detection tools, nutrigenomics, personalized nutrition, cardiac biomarkers, sports cardiologyAbstract
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the number one cause of death among athletes, is more frequent than in the general population. Conventional tests, including electrocardiography (ECG) and biomarker profiling, can identify risk but are also flawed. Nutrigenomics, which tailors’ nutrition based on genetic variation, has shown promise in sports medicine but remains underexplored in the prevention of cardiac risk. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of combining nutrigenomic-based personalized nutrition with early detection tools on cardiovascular health and performance in elite athletes. 50 elite athletes (30 male and 20 female) aged between 18-30 years participated in a prospective, longitudinal intervention over a period of 12 weeks. Baseline screening included ECG and echocardiography, as well as a biomarker screen (troponin, NT-proBNP, and CRP). Polymorphisms associated with cardiovascular risk and nutrient metabolism were detected by genotypic testing. Subjects were provided with a custom dietary prescription and tested supplements (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, Coenzyme O10, polyphenolics). Outcomes consisted of performance (VO₂ max, lactate threshold), recovery (HRV, creatine kinase), and cardiac markers. Statistics were performed through paired t-test and Repeated measures ANOVA (p <. 05). There were significant improvements in VO₂ max for athletes’ post-intervention (p = 0.002), lactate threshold (p = 0.001), and HRV (p = 0.004). Cardiac biomarkers reflected decreased myocardial strain, as evidenced by a decrease in troponin (p = .003) and NT-proBNP (p = .001). These results indicate improved cardiovascular performance, accelerated restoration capability, and diminution of subclinical cardiac load. Combining nutrigenomic-based nutrition with early detection modalities lowered cardiac risk factors and enhanced the performance of elite athletes. This dual strategy may be a means of prevention for SCA, and we would encourage the inclusion of adaptation in nutrition to regular cardiac testing as part of health monitoring programs for athletes.
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