The goal of this observational study is to learn about cardiac biomarker release following exercise in amateur athletes. The main questions it aims to answer are: Question 1: What are the reference values for exercise-induced cardiac troponin elevations following walking, cycling and running exercise? Hypothesis 1: We hypothesize that the exercise-induced cTn release is different following walking, cycling and running exercise. Therefore, we will establish reference values for post-exercise cTn concentrations across each of these sport types. Question 2: Is the prevalence of (subclinical) coronary artery disease higher in individuals with high post-exercise cardiac troponin concentrations in comparison to individuals with low post-exercise cardiac troponin concentrations? Hypothesis 2: We hypothesize that athletes with the highest post-exercise cTn concentrations have a higher prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis compared to athletes matched for sex and age with the lowest post-exercise cTn concentrations. Question 3: What is the association between post-exercise cardiac troponin concentrations and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality during long-term follow-up? Hypothesis 3: We hypothesize that post-exercise cTn concentrations beyond the 99th percentile are associated with an increased risk for MACE and mortality during follow-up. This study consists of three phases: Phase 1: two or three visits to the study location for (amongst other measurements) blood draws to assess cardiac troponin concentrations Phase 2: CT scan of the heart in 10% of participants to assess the prevalence of (subclinicial) coronary artery disease. Phase 3: longitudinal follow-up to assess the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality during 20-year follow-up. Participants will visit our study centre two, three or four times: Visit 1: baseline measurements including height, weight, body composition and blood pressure will be obtained and a blood sample will be drawn. Visit 2: a blood sample will be drawn and activity data will be obtained from participants' own sports watch or bike computer. Optional visit 3: a blood sample will be drawn. Visit 4: 10% of participants will undergo a cardiac CT scan to assess the prevalence of (subclinical) coronary artery disease.
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High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI)
Timeframe: Within 5 days before exercise event, within 6 hours post-exercise cessation, 24-48 hours post-exercise cessation
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT)
Timeframe: Within 5 days before exercise event, within 6 hours post-exercise cessation, 24-48 hours post-exercise cessation