Exercise and competitive sport in those with genetic heart disease: what we know and what we don't know. Part 1.

Historically, young people with genetic heart diseases were discouraged from active sport due to concerns about the increased risk of sudden cardiac death during competitive or intensive exercise. The shock resulting from the sudden death of a young athlete, an event often highly publicised, tends to generate concern in the general population, and fear of litigation in a low-evidence area: both influence decision-making by the medical profession when discussing 'restrictions', especially in patients with genetic heart diseases, who by definition, are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. In recent years, however, we have moved to a point where many athletes with certain genetic heart diseases can, with optimal medical therapy, be considered for involvement in various sporting and athletic pursuits. We are cautiously moving away from the assumption that exercise is contraindicated; we are factoring in the wishes of the patient-athlete (shared decision-making), and we are encouraging optimal protection for these athletes during their sporting endeavours (easily available automated external defibrillators [AEDs], and club personnel trained in basic life support [BLS]), while ensuring regular medical assessment to identify alterations in risk status. With dedicated follow-up of all such patient-athletes, we can refine our understanding of how best to advise (and protect) them in terms of exercise for enhanced quality of life.