Athletes are known to have great level of fitness and performance. But a new study has found that they may also suffer from cardiovascular abnormalities.

Therefore, the researchers have suggested that athletes should also undergo heart screening to know whether or not they have been suffering from any life-threatening disease.

An experiment was carried out in which 2,354 elite athletes were enrolled. Tests were carried out on them and it was found that six had potentially fatal disorders owing to which they were disqualified from taking part.

For now, it is not known as to why athletes are at increased risk of sudden death. But some have suggested that some extensive exercise can put pressure on heart muscles and enlarging them.

Dr. Paulo Adami from the Institute of Sport Medicine and Science of the Italian Olympic Committee said they have studies athletes who were chosen for the Olympic Games between 2004 and 2014.

On them, tests were carried out like ECG. Tests were carried out when the heart was at rest and while doing exercise and ultrasound of heart was also conducted. After conducting tests, researchers found worrying signs in 300 athletes.

These athletes were further studied and out of them, six were found to be suffering from potentially life-threatening conditions, meaning that they no longer could compete. Around 165 were allowed to continue with their careers with recommendation of annual checks.

“This study demonstrates that a more accurate assessment is necessary for elite professional athletes than for members of the general population, in view of the intensity and stress on their cardiovascular system”, affirmed Dr. Adami. The researchers have suggested that their model of screening should be used for all elite athletes.