Comparación electrocardiográfica entre futbolistas profesionales y adultos sedentarios en Cuenca, Ecuador, 2025: estudio transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Intensive training in soccer players induces cardiovascular adaptations known as the “athlete’s heart,” which are frequently manifested as electrocardiographic changes, including sinus bradycardia, rhythm disturbances, and alterations in ventricular repolarization. Although these findings are typically considered benign physiological adaptations, distinguishing between normal and pathological patterns represents a significant diagnostic challenge in the clinical evaluation of athletes. Objective: To compare electrocardiographic parameters between professional soccer players and sedentary adults in Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2025. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population included professional soccer players and sedentary adults aged 18 to 35 years. Electrocardiographic variables were analyzed using databases provided by each study group. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test, using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 58 participants were included, comprising 29 soccer players and 29 sedentary individuals. Resting heart rate was lower in professional soccer players compared to sedentary adults (13 vs. 2 cases of bradycardia). Electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy, according to the Sokolow–Lyon index, were observed more frequently in soccer players (20 vs. 3 cases; p = 0.532). No statistically significant differences were found in the remaining electrocardiographic variables analyzed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Soccer players exhibited a higher prevalence of bradycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography, possibly associated with physiological adaptive changes.