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Equine veterinary journal2020; 52(6); 782-786; doi: 10.1111/evj.13316

Irregular hearts and performance horses.

Abstract: No abstract available
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Publication Date: 2020-10-06 PubMed ID: 33017494DOI: 10.1111/evj.13316Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Editorial

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study explores the cardiovascular function and irregularities in the heartbeats of horses, particularly performance horses. It discusses current knowledge on equine cardiac arrhythmias, and the impact of such irregularities on the value and performance of the horses, and safety of both the riders and the horses.

Understanding Cardiovascular Disturbances

  • The paper focuses on the understanding and interpretation of observed disorders in the cardiovascular function of horses, especially those required to perform athletically.
  • Given the athletic propensity of horses, performance horses in particular, the detection of any variation from what is perceived as normal in terms of rhythm and sound of the horse’s heart raises concerns about its performance, value, and safety.
  • However, the study recognizes that biological systems inherently have variation and this presents a challenge in the research and understanding of what is considered normal.

Implications of Study Findings

  • Given the established importance of animal and human safety, animal welfare, and the prognosis of the horse’s performance, the findings from the study influence decisions about the course of action to be taken when irregular heart rhythms are detected.
  • It considers the expectations of owners and trainers, who are often anxious to fix any problem that might impair the performance of the horse.
  • Findings from this research would provide guidance on handling horses with abnormal heart rhythms.

Issues Addressed in the Study

  • The study also addresses the limitations inherent in our current knowledge. This entails generalizations and the application of limited data due to the variation present in the biological system of horses.
  • In an attempt to expand our understanding, the study collects observational data that examines the variations in rhythm during exercise and the factors contributing to these changes.
  • However, the paper points out that findings are limited and dependent on what is looked for, thus potentially missing out on other significant aspects simply because we don’t know to look for them.

Sudden Death in Horses

  • The article also touches on sudden death in horses, particularly in relation to intense effort. Despite being a rare occurrence, unexplained instances of sudden death have often been attributed to malignant cardiac arrhythmia or heart failure.
  • The research explores theories related to sudden death in horses and compares them to similar events in humans, given that much of our understanding of the condition in horses reflects what is known about it in humans.
  • It also investigates the occurrence of sudden death in non-racing horses by looking at a retrospective questionnaire study, highlighting the importance of understanding sudden death in all types of horses, not just racehorses.

Cite This Article

APA
Physick-Sheard PW, Slack J. (2020). Irregular hearts and performance horses. Equine Vet J, 52(6), 782-786. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13316

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 6
Pages: 782-786

Researcher Affiliations

Physick-Sheard, Peter W
  • Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
Slack, Joann
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Heart
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal

References

This article includes 37 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
  1. Bevevino KE, Cohen ND, Gordon SG, Navas de Solis C. Feasibility of a point-of-care ultrasound protocol for cardiorespiratory evaluation of horses in different clinical settings. J Vet Intern Med 2023 May-Jun;37(3):1223-1232.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.16674pubmed: 36975771google scholar: lookup
  2. Nath L, Stent A, Elliott A, La Gerche A, Franklin S. Risk Factors for Exercise-Associated Sudden Cardiac Death in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 18;12(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12101297pubmed: 35625143google scholar: lookup
  3. Hellings IR, Skjerve E, Karlstam E, Valheim M, Ihler CF, Fintl C. Racing-associated fatalities in Norwegian and Swedish harness racehorses: Incidence rates, risk factors, and principal postmortem findings. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Mar;36(2):778-786.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.16364pubmed: 35060194google scholar: lookup
  4. Kapusniak A, Lara NM, Hitchens PL, Bailey S, Nath L, Franklin S. Use of Artificial Intelligence to Detect Cardiac Rhythm Disturbances in Athletes: A Scoping Review. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Nov-Dec;39(6):e70257.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.70257pubmed: 41017277google scholar: lookup
  5. Avison A, Physick-Sheard PW, Pyle WG. Performance horses as a model for exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. J Mol Cell Cardiol Plus 2025 Jun;12:100452.
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  6. Navas de Solis C, Solomon C, Durando M, Stefanovski D. Electrocardiograms from different types of exercise in Eventing horses with and without cardiac signs. Equine Vet J 2025 Jul;57(4):991-1000.
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  7. Nath LC, Saljic A, Buhl R, Elliott A, La Gerche A, Ye C, Schmidt Royal H, Lundgren Virklund K, Agbaedeng TA, Stent A, Franklin S. Histological evaluation of cardiac remodelling in equine athletes. Sci Rep 2024 Jul 19;14(1):16709.
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  8. Kapusniak A, Nath L, Hebart M, Franklin S. Heritability of sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 2025 Mar;57(2):325-332.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14130pubmed: 38984817google scholar: lookup
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