Berlin Beat of Running Study

Berlin Beat of Running Study - Frequency of Cardiac Arrhythmias & Cerebral Lesions in Marathon Runners

This prospective observational study will investigate the frequency of new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and of further cardiac arrhythmias as well as of (clinically silent) cerebral lesions in endurance runners before, during and after the BMW-Berlin Marathon 2011.

Up to 120 experienced marathon runners will participate in the "Berlin Beat of Running Study" and will wear a transportable electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder at least 24 hours before, during and 24 hours after the BMW-Berlin Marathon. All participants will undergo brain MRI examinations to detect cerebral lesions within days before and after the marathon race, respectively. Moreover, serial blood samples will be taken a few days before, immediately after as well as a few days after the BMW-Berlin Marathon.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 35-65 years
• at least 2 marathon runs within the last 5 years
• weekly running of at least 40 km

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known cardiac arrhythmia or prior stroke
• contraindication for MRI.