Sports and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators - How Safe?
Lankenau Hospital Heart Center Only Site in Region to Participate in National Study to Identify Sports Safety for Patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

(WYNNEWOOD, PA; April 2008) -- The Main Line Health Heart Center at Lankenau Hospital has been selected as one of 45 sites across the country and the only site in southeastern Pennsylvania to participate in a national Sports Registry to determine the safety of patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) playing competitive sports.

Currently, guidelines recommend ICD patients refrain from participating in competitive sports more vigorous than golf or bowling. A recent survey of heart rhythm cardiologists suggests that some individuals with ICDs do participate in vigorous and even competitive sports, despite these guidelines.

According to Lankenau Hospital cardiologist Dr. Martin J. O'Riordan, it is currently not known whether sports are safe for individuals with ICDs. Dr. O'Riordan, who heads the ICD Sports Registry study at Lankenau, specializes in non-invasive cardiology and co-directs a monthly clinic for adults with congenital heart disease.

"There is not enough information available for physicians to make educated recommendations because we really don't know whether the ICD protects a person from an episode of sudden death," said Dr. O'Riordan. "If the study shows an ICD is protective, athletes with ICDs may feel more comfortable about undergoing physical evaluations without fear of being disqualified."

The ICD Sports Registry does not endorse competitive sports for ICD patients. Rather, its goal is to obtain information to determine the safety and/or risks of sports participation by following those individuals who have made this decision and are participating in sports, over a two year period. 

Individuals eligible for the study are age 10 to 60 years old who have chosen, with or without the approval of their physician, to participate in competitive sports at any level, from little league, to college athletes, to marathon runners or the weekly league at the tennis club. Patients participating regularly in potentially dangerous sports such as skiing or surfing are also eligible.

The goal is to enroll about 800 individuals to be followed for two years. A phone interview is done at the time of enrollment in the registry, and then every 6 months. The interview consists of questions regarding the individual's medical history and details about the sports he or she is playing. Individuals participating in the registry to date are playing soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, skiing, speed skating, and running (5K, 10K, and marathons). Since the interviews are done by phone, there are no geographic limitations to participation. All information is kept strictly confidential.

For information about the ICD Sports Registry at the Main Line Health Heart Center at Lankenau Hospital, call 610-645-8578 or 610-645-8570.

Editor's Note: The ICD Sports Registry is made possible by support from St. Jude Medical, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific Corporation. 

Published:4-24-2008