Systematic Review on the Safety of Physical Exercise in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology.

What was studied

This systematic review looked at exercise in adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Exercise was once discouraged, for fear of rhythm problems and sudden cardiac death. The authors searched large databases up to December 2024. They included randomised trials and observational studies. They looked at death and rhythm events by type and strength of exercise. Experts from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology wrote the advice.

What they found

The studies covered 9,744 participants. None reported more death or severe rhythm events with exercise. This held even for moderate or vigorous exercise. Fainting was rare. A Korean observational study had more than 7,000 people. It linked harder activity to lower death from any cause. In low-risk athletes, competitive sports were not linked to severe adverse events.

What it means for patients

The panel says exercise in HCM should be encouraged, after an individual check. In patients without high-risk signs, benefits appear to outweigh risks. For higher-risk groups, the advice is more careful. It rests on expert agreement.

Why it is not certain yet

The quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Advice for higher-risk groups rests on expert agreement, not on trials. The review mixed trials and observational studies. Observational studies show links, not proof of cause.

Source

Systematic Review on the Safety of Physical Exercise in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology.

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