Investigating the heart health of young competitive endurance athletes
Official title: Prospective Athlete's Heart Study: Long-term Assessment of the Determinants of Cardiac Remodelling and Its Clinical Consequences in Endurance Athletes
Run by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT05164328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how training and genetics affect the heart health of young athletes aged 14-23 who compete in endurance sports to see what long-term impacts intense training might have.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 23 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Melbourne, Victoria and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 23, 2015 |
| Main results expected | June 23, 2035 |
| Study ends | June 23, 2040 |
| Registry record updated | December 20, 2021 |
| Trial ID | NCT05164328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include young athletes aged 14-23 who have been competing in endurance sports for at least two years.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, current smokers, or those with diabetes mellitus may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The Prospective Athlete's Heart study is an international multicenter observational trial aimed at understanding how training load and genetic factors influence cardiac remodeling in young athletes. It focuses on endurance sports participants aged 14-23 and examines the relationship between exercise-induced cardiac changes, physical performance, and potential health risks over several decades. The study will track athletes' heart health and performance metrics without any interventions, providing valuable insights into the long-term effects of intense training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of athlete heart health and inform guidelines to prevent exercise-related cardiac issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored athlete heart health, but this specific focus on training load and genotype in young endurance athletes is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males and females aged 14-23 years old 2. Athletes competing in endurance sports at national or international level for at least 2 years. Sports include: 1. Triathlon 2. Cycling 3. Distance running (≥ 1500 meters) 4. Rowing 5. Swimming 3. Non athletes engaged in \< 3 hours per week of physical activity Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medical history of cardiovascular disease 2. Current smoker of past history of smoking 3. Diabetes mellitus
Where it's running
-
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Recruiting -
UZ Antwerpen
Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium Recruiting -
Jessa Ziekenhuis Hasselt
Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium Recruiting -
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams Brabants, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guido Claessen, Prof. Dr.
- Email: guido.claessen@uzleuven.be
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.