Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy, a research project funded by the Ministry of Health begins
09.04.2026
A new research project dedicated to athletes affected by arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy has received significant funding from the Ministry of Health. The initiative has been allocated 570 thousand euros for the University Hospital of Padua, as part of a total PNRR funding of 950 thousand euros.
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a hereditary heart disease that is one of the main causes of sudden death among athletes. In this field, Padua confirms itself as a national reference point, both for clinical activity and scientific research.
The objectives of the study
The project, selected through competitive national calls, aims to deepen the mechanisms that determine the pathology and improve early diagnosis, risk assessment, and clinical management of affected athletes. The goal is twofold: to increase safety in sports practice and to develop personalized protocols that, when possible, allow continued physical activity under controlled conditions.
The disease represents a particularly complex challenge for cardiology and sports medicine because it can affect seemingly healthy young people and manifest even in the absence of evident symptoms, leading to severe and sudden events.
The study is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach that brings together clinical, genetic, and technological expertise, supported by advanced imaging and monitoring methods. The project involves the UOC of Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology of the University Hospital of Padua, respectively directed by Cristina Basso and Domenico Corrado, with the involvement of Alessandro Zorzi, Kalliopi Pilichou, and Barbara Bauce, together with the UOC of Sports Medicine of ULSS 2 Treviso, directed by Paolo Sarto.
Expected outcomes
A central part of the research will concern the relationship between physical exercise and disease progression, also in relation to genotype. This is a crucial aspect for defining increasingly precise guidelines based on scientific evidence. The results could have important repercussions not only scientifically but also on health policies and screening programs aimed at athletes. It is indeed a strategic investment in biomedical research, with the goal of strengthening public health protection and safety in sports, as well as translating scientific progress into tangible benefits for patients and the entire sports system.
