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Kramer T, Ventovuori V, Heinonen A, Parkkari J, Korhonen MT, Rovio A, Hoenemann JN, Möstl S, Sies W, Kaiser-Stolz C, Chilibeck P, Tanaka H, Kramer M, Rittweger J, Hautala AJ. Prevalence of electrocardiographic markers associated with myocardial fibrosis in masters athletes: a cohort study. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2024; 10:e001988. [PMID: 39224201 PMCID: PMC11367365 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is associated with an increased predisposition to adverse cardiac events. The accumulation of high-volume and high-intensity exercise over an extended duration potentially increases the risk of MF. Specific electrocardiographic markers have been correlated with the presence of MF. This study assessed the prevalence of MF-related electrocardiographic markers in a Track and Field Master Athletics Cohort (TaFMAC). Methods Twelve-lead resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) were conducted on 155 athletes (90 males and 65 females) participating in the World Masters Athletics 2022. The ECG markers associated with MF, including pathological Q waves, inverted T waves, fragmented QRS complex, and prolonged QRS complex, were compared among different athletic specialities (endurance athletes n=51, sprinters n=69 and strength and power n=35). Results Overall, 71 instances of MF-related markers were identified from 155 ECG recordings (46%). Fragmented QRS emerged as the most common marker, with a prevalence of 29% in endurance and strength and power athletes, and 35% in sprinters. No significant group differences were observed in the prevalence of MF markers, whether analysed collectively (p=0.467) or individually (pathological Q waves p=0.367, inverted T waves p=0.309, fragmented QRS complex p=0.747 and prolonged QRS complex p=0.132). Conclusions The prevalence of MF markers, as determined by resting ECG, was evident in nearly half of masters athletes, irrespective of sex and sporting specialisation. These findings suggest resting ECG as a promising non-invasive method for the early identification of MF in athlete's hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilmann Kramer
- Heart Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Aerospace Center, Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Ville Ventovuori
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Ari Heinonen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jari Parkkari
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Marko T Korhonen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | | | - Stefan Möstl
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfram Sies
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Hirofumi Tanaka
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mira Kramer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Cologne-Merheim Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Operative Intensive Medicine, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Joern Rittweger
- Head of Musculoskeletal Metabolism, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Arto J Hautala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Pytka MJ, Domin RA, Żołyński MS, Niziński J, Krauze T, Wykrętowicz A, Guzik P. Sex differences in the associations between right heart structure and peak exercise capacity parameters in amateur cyclists. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1427101. [PMID: 39135708 PMCID: PMC11318071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1427101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Right heart changes and their association with exercise capacity, including sex differences, are still being investigated. We analysed right heart structure and its relationship with exercise capacity parameters in amateur cyclists. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving 215 consecutive adult amateur cyclists, who underwent resting transthoracic echocardiography and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to exhaustion was performed. Results: The median age of participants was 29 years (IQR 24-37), 71% of them were men. The mean training time was 6 h/week, and 90% participated in vigorous or moderate physical activity. Men had larger right ventricular diameters (basal - RVD1, mid-cavity - RVD2 and longitudinal - RVD3) compared to women (40.9 vs. 37.6 mm, p = 0.0005, 28.7 vs. 26.3 mm, p = 0.03, 92.2 vs. 81.9 mm, p < 0.0001). Indexing for body surface area revealed comparable right atrial volume (RAVI) between sexes (24.1 vs. 22.7 mL/m2). Men achieved higher peak exercise capacity parameters [O2 pulse, oxygen consumption (VO2) and workload] in CPET. Multivariate linear regression models revealed a positive association between peak VO2, workload and O2 pulse with RAVI in women but not with RVD1 or RVD3. Conversely, these parameters showed a positive association with RVD3 and RVD1 but not with RAVI in men. Conclusion: Sex differences exist in the relationship between right heart structural parameters and peak exercise capacity descriptors in amateur cyclists. Better exercise capacity during CPET to exhaustion is associated with greater RAVI in women but a greater RVD1 and RVD3 in men. These findings suggest different mechanisms of right heart adaptation to training in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Jakub Pytka
- Department of Cardiology–Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- University Centre for Sports and Medical Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Andrzej Domin
- University Centre for Sports and Medical Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Stanisław Żołyński
- Department of Cardiology–Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- University Centre for Sports and Medical Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Niziński
- University Centre for Sports and Medical Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Krauze
- Department of Cardiology–Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- University Centre for Sports and Medical Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wykrętowicz
- Department of Cardiology–Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Przemysław Guzik
- Department of Cardiology–Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- University Centre for Sports and Medical Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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3
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MacIver DH, Zhang H, Johnson C, Papatheodorou E, Parry-Williams G, Sharma S, Oxborough D. Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED): age and sex differences between young and veteran athletes. Echo Res Pract 2024; 11:17. [PMID: 39004742 PMCID: PMC11247749 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-024-00052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED) is an innovative method for assessing myocardial function and quantifies the work performed per unit volume of the left ventricular myocardium. The GLASED, measured using MRI, is the best prognostic marker currently available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the GLASED using echocardiography and to investigate potential differences in the GLASED among athletes based on age and sex. METHODS An echocardiographic study was conducted with male controls, male and female young athletes, and male and female veteran athletes. GLASED was calculated from the myocardial stress and strain. RESULTS The mean age (in years) of the young athletes was 21.6 for males and 21.4 for females, while the mean age of the veteran athletes was 53.5 for males and 54.2 for females. GLASED was found to be highest in young male athletes (2.40 kJ/m3) and lowest in female veterans (1.96 kJ/m3). Veteran males exhibited lower values (1.96 kJ/m3) than young male athletes did (P < 0.001). Young females demonstrated greater GLASED (2.28 kJ/m3) than did veteran females (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the GLASED was observed between male and female veterans. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated the feasibility of measuring GLASED using echocardiography. GLASED values were greater in young male athletes than in female athletes and decreased with age, suggesting possible physiological differences in their myocardium. The sex-related differences observed in GLASED values among young athletes were no longer present in veteran athletes. We postulate that measuring the GLASED may serve as a useful additional screening tool for cardiac diseases in athletes, particularly for those with borderline phenotypes of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H MacIver
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Astronomy and Physics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Cardiology, Taunton & Somerset Hospital, Musgrove Park, UK.
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Astronomy and Physics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Gemma Parry-Williams
- Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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4
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Czulada E, Shah SA, Tsimploulis A. Racial and Gender Differences in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Atrial Fibrillation. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2024; 25:261. [PMID: 39139428 PMCID: PMC11317356 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2507261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The expanding field of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in individuals with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) presents a complex landscape, demanding careful interpretation of the existing research. AF, characterized by significant mortality and morbidity, prompts the exploration of strategies to mitigate its impact. Increasing physical activity (PA) levels emerges as a promising avenue to address AF risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, through mechanisms of reduced vasoconstriction, endothelin-1 modulation, and improved insulin sensitivity. However, caution is warranted, as recent investigations suggest a heightened incidence of AF, particularly in athletes engaged in high-intensity exercise, due to the formation of ectopic foci and changes in cardiac anatomy. Accordingly, patients should adhere to guideline-recommended amounts of low-to-moderate PA to balance benefits and minimize adverse effects. When looking closer at the current evidence, gender-specific differences have been observed and challenged conventional understanding, with women demonstrating decreased AF risk even at extreme exercise levels. This phenomenon may be rooted in divergent hemodynamic and structural responses to exercise between men and women. Existing research is predominantly observational and limited to racially homogenous populations, which underscores the need for comprehensive studies encompassing diverse, non-White ethnic groups in athlete and non-athlete populations. These individuals exhibit a disproportionately high burden of AF risk factors that could be addressed through improved CRF. Despite the limitations, randomized control trials offer promising evidence for the efficacy of CRF interventions in patients with preexisting AF, showcasing improvements in clinically significant AF outcomes and patient quality of life. The potential of CRF as a countermeasure to the consequences of AF remains an area of great promise, urging future research to delve deeper to explore its role within specific racial and gender contexts. This comprehensive understanding will contribute to the development of tailored strategies for optimizing cardiovascular health and AF prevention in all those who are affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Czulada
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
| | - Samir A. Shah
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA
| | - Apostolos Tsimploulis
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
- Department of Electrophysiology, MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, Washington, D.C. 20010, USA
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5
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Lasocka-Koriat Z, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Kaleta-Duss A, Siekierzycka A, Kalinowski L, Lewicka E, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A. Differences in cardiac adaptation to exercise in male and female athletes assessed by noninvasive techniques: a state-of-the-art review. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1065-H1079. [PMID: 38391314 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00756.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Athlete's heart is generally regarded as a physiological adaptation to regular training, with specific morphological and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system. Development of the noninvasive imaging techniques over the past several years enabled better assessment of cardiac remodeling in athletes, which may eventually mimic certain pathological conditions with the potential for sudden cardiac death, or disease progression. The current literature provides a compelling overview of the available methods that target the interrelation of prolonged exercise with cardiac structure and function. However, this data stems from scientific studies that included mostly male athletes. Despite the growing participation of females in competitive sport meetings, little is known about the long-term cardiac effects of repetitive training in this population. There are several factors-biochemical, physiological and psychological, that determine sex-dependent cardiac response. Herein, the aim of this review was to compare cardiac adaptation to endurance exercise in male and female athletes with the use of electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical examination, to determine the sex-specific phenotypes, and to improve the healthcare providers' awareness of cardiac remodeling in athletes. Finally, we discuss the possible exercise-induced alternations that should arouse suspicion of pathology and be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka-Koriat
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Kaleta-Duss
- Institute for Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Anna Siekierzycka
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- BioTechMed Centre/Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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6
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Oxborough D, McDerment D, George KP, Johnson C, Morrison B, Parry-Williams G, Papatheodorou E, Sharma S, Cooper R. Allometric scaling for left ventricular mass and geometry in male and female athletes of mixed and endurance sports. Echo Res Pract 2024; 11:4. [PMID: 38351041 PMCID: PMC10865516 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-024-00040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The athlete's heart (AH) defines the phenotypical changes that occur in response to chronic exercise training. Echocardiographic assessment of the AH is used to calculate LV mass (LVM) and determine chamber geometry. This is, however, interpreted using standard linear (ratiometric) scaling to body surface area (BSA) whereas allometric scaling is now widely recommended. This study (1) determined whether ratiometric scaling of LVM to BSA (LVMiratio) provides a size-independent index in young and veteran athletes of mixed and endurance sports (MES), and (2) calculated size-independent beta exponents for allometrically derived (LVMiallo) to BSA and (3) describes the physiological range of LVMiallo and the classifications of LV geometry. METHODS 1373 MES athletes consisting of young (< 35 years old) (males n = 699 and females n = 127) and veteran (> 35 years old) (males n = 327 and females n = 220) were included in the study. LVMiratio was calculated as per standard scaling and sex-specific LVMiallo were derived from the population. Cut-offs were defined and geometry was classified according to the new exponents and relative wall thickness. RESULTS LVMiratio did not produce a size independent index. When tested across the age range the following indexes LVMi/BSA0.7663 and LVMi/BSA0.52, for males and females respectively, were size independent (r = 0.012; P = 0.7 and r = 0.003; P = 0.920). Physiological cut-offs for LVMiallo were 135 g/(m2)0.7663 in male athletes and 121 g/(m2)0.52 in female athletes. Concentric remodelling / hypertrophy was present in 3% and 0% of young male and female athletes and 24% and 17% of veteran male and female athletes, respectively. Eccentric hypertrophy was observed in 8% and 6% of young male and female athletes and 9% and 11% of veteran male and female athletes, respectively. CONCLUSION In a large cohort of young and veteran male and female MES athletes, LVMiratio to BSA is not size independent. Sex-specific LVMiallo to BSA with LVMi/BSA0.77 and LVMi/BSA0.52 for male and female athletes respectively can be applied across the age-range. Population-based cut-offs of LVMiallo provided a physiological range demonstrating a predominance for normal geometry in all athlete groups with a greater percentage of concentric remodelling/hypertrophy occurring in veteran male and female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
| | - Danielle McDerment
- Cardiology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Keith P George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Barbara Morrison
- School of Human Kinetics, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada
| | - Gemma Parry-Williams
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Robert Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
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Viegas JM, Rosa SA, Freitas A. Cardiovascular pre-participation screening in female athletes: Should it be revisited? J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:530-532. [PMID: 37775410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Viegas
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Marta, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Portugal.
| | - Sílvia Aguiar Rosa
- Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Marta, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Portugal; Heart Center, Hospital da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, Portugal
| | - António Freitas
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Portugal; Centro de Medicina Desportiva de Lisboa, Portugal
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Lobo HM, Naves ÍG, Marçal SB, Canzi CC, Rodrigues ABS, Menezes Jr AS. Atrial Fibrillation in Endurance Training Athletes: Scoping Review. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2023; 24:155. [PMID: 39077536 PMCID: PMC11264108 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2406155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Moderate regular physical activity is indicated to avoid atrial fibrillation (AF), whereas athletes should be counseled that long-lasting vigorous sports engagement may cause AF, according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommendations for AF treatment. Exercise and AF are complex. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between Endurance training and AF, in addition to the starting point/trigger by which Endurance Training causes impairment of cardiac function and AF, considering the time and intensity of Endurance training. Materials and Methods We synthesized evidence from articles published in the PubMed, EMBASE, and SciELO databases using their respective Boolean operators. A total of 112 original articles related to AF and endurance athletes published up to the year 2023 were reviewed. Results Our study verified multiples aspects of the genesis of AF in athletes, such as cardiac adaptations to exercise, disturbances in cardiac injury biomarkers, sex differences in cardiac adaptations and their role in AF risk, and the relationship between body composition (height, weight, and physical fitness) and AF pathogenesis. Conclusions Variations in cardiac structure (increased atrial thickness and size in addition to myocardial fibrosis) and significant increases in vagal tone (sinus bradycardia and imbalances in sympathetic and parasympathetic activation) shorten the refractory period shortening in athletes, induce the onset of re-entrance mechanisms, and serve as ectopic triggers that can lead to AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique M. Lobo
- Medical and Life Sciences School, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, 74175-120 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ícaro G. Naves
- Medical and Life Sciences School, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, 74175-120 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Silvia Botelho Marçal
- Internal Medicine Department, Medicine Faculty, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Camila Cassia Canzi
- Medical and Life Sciences School, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, 74175-120 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio S. Menezes Jr
- Medical and Life Sciences School, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, 74175-120 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Internal Medicine Department, Medicine Faculty, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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9
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Harris CS, Froelicher VF, Hadley D, Wheeler MT. Guide to the Female Student Athlete ECG: A Comprehensive Study of 3466 Young, Racially Diverse Athletes. Am J Med 2022; 135:1478-1487.e4. [PMID: 35981651 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is used in the preparticipation screening examination for athletes. Despite known differences in ECG findings by sex, only QTc prolongation is given a sex-specific threshold. We hypothesize that our large dataset-with diversity in age, race, and sport participation-can be utilized to improve ECG screening in female student athletes. METHODS Computerized 12-lead ECGs were recorded and analyzed in female athletes who underwent preparticipation screening examination between June 2010 and September 2021. The quantitative, empirical 2017 international criteria for electrocardiographic interpretation were compared with either the 99th percentile in our cohort or the percentile that corresponded to the known disease prevalence. RESULTS Of 3466 female athletes with ECGs as part of preparticipation screening examination, the 2017 international criteria classified 2.1% of athletes with at least one ECG abnormality requiring cardiological evaluation. Rates were similar across age, race/ethnicity, and sporting discipline. Using ranges based on our population, 2.7% of athletes would require additional workup. Surprisingly, ST depression up to 0.03 mV was a normal finding in this cohort. If RS voltage extremes were considered findings requiring follow-up, an additional 9.6% of the athlete population would be flagged using current definitions. This number decreases to 2.7% if using the 99th percentile in this cohort. CONCLUSION These results highlight a difference in the reported prevalence of ECG abnormalities when comparing empirically derived thresholds to statistically derived ranges. Consideration of new metrics specific to the female athlete population has the potential to further refine athlete ECG screening.
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Burtscher J, Vanderriele PE, Legrand M, Predel HG, Niebauer J, O’Keefe JH, Millet GP, Burtscher M. Could Repeated Cardio-Renal Injury Trigger Late Cardiovascular Sequelae in Extreme Endurance Athletes? Sports Med 2022; 52:2821-2836. [DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRegular exercise confers multifaceted and well-established health benefits. Yet, transient and asymptomatic increases in markers of cardio-renal injury are commonly observed in ultra-endurance athletes during and after competition. This has raised concerns that chronic recurring insults could cause long-term cardiac and/or renal damage. Indeed, extreme endurance exercise (EEE) over decades has sometimes been linked with untoward cardiac effects, but a causal relation with acute injury markers has not yet been established. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on markers of cardiac and/or renal injury in EEE athletes, outline the possible interplay between cardiac and kidney damage, and explore the roles of various factors in the development of potential exercise-related cardiac damage, including underlying diseases, medication, sex, training, competition, regeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In conclusion, despite the undisputed health benefits of regular exercise, we speculate, based on the intimate link between heart and kidney diseases, that in rare cases excessive endurance sport may induce adverse cardio-renal interactions that under specific, hitherto undefined conditions could result in persistent cardiac damage. We highlight future research priorities and provide decision support for athletes and clinical consultants who are seeking safe strategies for participation in EEE training and competition.
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11
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Lasocka Z, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Faran A, Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Nowak R, Kaufmann D, Kaleta-Duss A, Kalinowski L, Raczak G, Lewicka E, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A. Exercise-Induced Atrial Remodeling in Female Amateur Marathon Runners Assessed by Three-Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography. Front Physiol 2022; 13:863217. [PMID: 35860663 PMCID: PMC9289460 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.863217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial remodeling and atrial arrhythmias. However, data regarding atrial adaptation to physical exercise in non-elite athletes are limited. Even less is known about atrial performance in women. We aimed to elucidate exercise-induced changes in atrial morphology and function in female amateur marathon runners using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The study group consisted of 27 female (40 ± 7 years) amateur athletes. Right (RA) and left atrial (LA) measures were assessed three times: 2–3 weeks before the marathon (stage 1), immediately after the run (stage 2), and 2 weeks after the competition (stage 3). Directly after the marathon, a remarkable RA dilatation, as assessed by RA maximal volume (RAVmax, 31.3 ± 6.8 vs. 35.0 ± 7.0 ml/m2; p = 0.008), with concomitant increase in RA contractile function [RA active emptying fraction (RA active EF), 27.7 ± 8.6 vs. 35.0 ± 12.1%; p = 0.014; RA peak atrial contraction strain (RA PACS) 13.8 ± 1.8 vs. 15.6 ± 2.5%; p = 0.016] was noticed. There were no significant changes in LA volumes between stages, while LA active EF (34.3 ± 6.4 vs. 39.4 ± 8.6%; p = 0.020), along with LA PACS (12.8 ± 2.1 vs. 14.9 ± 2.7%; p = 0.002), increased post race. After the race, an increase in right ventricular (RV) dimensions (RV end-diastolic volume index, 48.8 ± 11.0 vs. 60.0 ± 11.1 ml/m2; p = 0.001) and a decrease in RV function (RV ejection fraction, 54.9 ± 6.3 vs. 49.1 ± 6.3%; p = 0.006) were observed. The magnitude of post-race RV dilatation was correlated with peak RA longitudinal strain deterioration (r = −0.56, p = 0.032). The measured parameters did not differ between stages 1 and 3. In female amateur athletes, apart from RV enlargement and dysfunction, marathon running promotes transient biatrial remodeling, with more pronounced changes in the RA. Post-race RA dilatation and increment of the active contraction force of both atria are observed. However, RA reservoir function diminishes in those with post-race RV dilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Faran
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Nowak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Damian Kaufmann
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Kaleta-Duss
- Institute for Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics—Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- BioTechMed Centre/Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- *Correspondence: Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka,
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12
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Patel VI, Gradus-Pizlo I, Malik S, Barseghian El-Farra A, Dineen EH. Cardiodiagnostic sex-specific differences of the female athlete in sports cardiology. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS : CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 17:100149. [PMID: 38559879 PMCID: PMC10978368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2022.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The cardiovascular care of highly active individuals and competitive athletes has developed into an important focus within the field of sports medicine. An evolving understanding of exercise-induced cardiovascular remodeling in athletes has led to a more robust characterization of physiologic adaptation versus pathological dysfunction, but this distinction is often challenging due to diagnostic commonalities. Current data reflects sporting-focused analyses of mainly male athletes, which may not be easily applicable to the female athletic heart. Increasingly female-specific cardiac dimensional and physiologic data are starting to emerge from comparative studies that may be utilized to address this growing need, and further guide individualized care. Here, we review current literature evaluating female-specific cardiovascular adaptations of the athletic heart, and formulate a discussion on cardiac remodeling, cardiodiagnostic findings, etiologic mechanisms, limitations of currently available data, and direction for future research in the cardiovascular care of female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal I. Patel
- Corresponding author at: Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 101 The City Drive South, Building 200, Room 414, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America.
| | - Irmina Gradus-Pizlo
- Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, UCI Health, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
| | - Shaista Malik
- Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, UCI Health, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
| | - Ailin Barseghian El-Farra
- Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, UCI Health, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Dineen
- Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, UCI Health, Orange, CA 92868, United States of America
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13
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St. Pierre SR, Peirlinck M, Kuhl E. Sex Matters: A Comprehensive Comparison of Female and Male Hearts. Front Physiol 2022; 13:831179. [PMID: 35392369 PMCID: PMC8980481 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.831179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease in women remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Recent studies suggest that this is caused, at least in part, by the lack of sex-specific diagnostic criteria. While it is widely recognized that the female heart is smaller than the male heart, it has long been ignored that it also has a different microstructural architecture. This has severe implications on a multitude of cardiac parameters. Here, we systematically review and compare geometric, functional, and structural parameters of female and male hearts, both in the healthy population and in athletes. Our study finds that, compared to the male heart, the female heart has a larger ejection fraction and beats at a faster rate but generates a smaller cardiac output. It has a lower blood pressure but produces universally larger contractile strains. Critically, allometric scaling, e.g., by lean body mass, reduces but does not completely eliminate the sex differences between female and male hearts. Our results suggest that the sex differences in cardiac form and function are too complex to be ignored: the female heart is not just a small version of the male heart. When using similar diagnostic criteria for female and male hearts, cardiac disease in women is frequently overlooked by routine exams, and it is diagnosed later and with more severe symptoms than in men. Clearly, there is an urgent need to better understand the female heart and design sex-specific diagnostic criteria that will allow us to diagnose cardiac disease in women equally as early, robustly, and reliably as in men. Systematic Review Registration https://livingmatter.stanford.edu/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. St. Pierre
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mathias Peirlinck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ellen Kuhl
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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14
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Costa JA, Brito J, Nakamura FY, Dores H, Rebelo A. Associations between 24-h heart rate variability and aerobic fitness in high-level female soccer players. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 32 Suppl 1:140-149. [PMID: 34923673 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in 24-h heart rate variability and aerobic fitness, and their associations, in female soccer players during the preseason period. METHODS Sixteen players were assessed (24-h HRV and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 [YYIR1]) before and after 4 weeks of preseason. The relationship between R-R24h length and high-frequency oscillations (HF24h) was analyzed by a quadratic regression model (revealing or not saturation of vagal activity) assessed 48-h before (PRE-preseason) and 48-h after (POST-preseason) the preseason period. Additionally, the mean HF24h was calculated from the linear portion of the R-R interval versus the HF24h regression curve (HF index). The average of the corresponding R-R24h values was defined as the R-R index. RESULTS In PRE-preseason, seven players had a saturated HF24h, while in POST-preseason, five new cases of saturated HF24h were observed. The mean R-R24h, HF24h, R-R index, and HF index lengths significantly increased after preseason (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found in YYIR1 PRE- compared with POST-preseason (930 ± 286 m [individual range: 400-1240 m] versus 1265 ± 252 m [640-1640 m], respectively; p < 0.001). Additionally, the relative changes in HF24h and HF index were largely correlated with improvements in the distance covered during the YYIR1 (r = 0.68 and r = 0.56; respectively). CONCLUSION Enhanced vagal activity after 4-week preseason period of soccer training increased the occurrence of vagal saturation in high-level female soccer players. Additionally, the increases in HF24h and HF index were significantly correlated with aerobic fitness change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio A Costa
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, CIFI2D, Porto, Portugal.,Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, FPF, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João Brito
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, FPF, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fábio Y Nakamura
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Maia (ISMAI), Maia, Portugal
| | | | - António Rebelo
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, CIFI2D, Porto, Portugal
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15
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Rao SJ, Shah AB. Exercise and the Female Heart. Clin Ther 2021; 44:41-49. [PMID: 34930659 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Female participation in sport has increased sharply during the last few decades, and for the third straight Olympic Games, there were more women than men on the US roster for the 2020 Tokyo Games. Given this, an understanding of the differences between men and women with respect to exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is critical for those caring for female athletes. Recent studies have provided insight into female-specific cardiac remodeling and have enhanced our understanding on the upper limits of cardiac remodeling in female athletes and how these adaptations compare with sedentary females, male athletes, and cardiomyopathies. Female athletes display fewer signs of adaptive remodeling on ECG compared with male athletes. Structurally, male athletes have larger absolute cardiac dimensions, but female athletes have similar or larger chamber size when adjusted for body size. Female athletes have a lower incidence of sudden cardiac arrest or death compared with male athletes in the early competitive years (high school, college, and professional) and in the masters athlete years. In addition, female athletes are less likely to have coronary disease and atrial fibrillation compared with male athletes. Data on longevity indicate that female athletes live longer than their sedentary counterparts. Unlike men, there has been no convincing association of extreme exercise and cardiovascular disease in longer-term endurance female athletes. The underlying mechanisms of these sex-based differences are not very well understood, and future studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms of cardiac adaptation in female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiavax J Rao
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ankit B Shah
- Sports & Performance Cardiology Program, MedStar Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
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16
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Rajan D, Garcia R, Svane J, Tfelt-Hansen J. Risk of sports-related sudden cardiac death in women. Eur Heart J 2021; 43:1198-1206. [PMID: 34894223 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a tragic incident accountable for up to 50% of deaths from cardiovascular disease. Sports-related SCD (SrSCD) is a phenomenon which has previously been associated with both competitive and recreational sport activities. SrSCD has been found to occur 5-33-fold less frequently in women than in men, and the sex difference persists despite a rapid increase in female participation in sports. Establishing the reasons behind this difference could pinpoint targets for improved prevention of SrSCD. Therefore, this review summarizes existing knowledge on epidemiology, characteristics, and causes of SrSCD in females, and elaborates on proposed mechanisms behind the sex differences. Although literature concerning the aetiology of SrSCD in females is limited, proposed mechanisms include sex-specific variations in hormones, blood pressure, autonomic tone, and the presentation of acute coronary syndromes. Consequently, these biological differences impact the degree of cardiac hypertrophy, dilation, right ventricular remodelling, myocardial fibrosis, and coronary atherosclerosis, and thereby the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in male and female athletes associated with short- and long-term exercise. Finally, cardiac examinations such as electrocardiograms and echocardiography are useful tools allowing easy differentiation between physiological and pathological cardiac adaptations following exercise in women. However, as a significant proportion of SrSCD causes in women are non-structural or unexplained after autopsy, channelopathies may play an important role, encouraging attention to prodromal symptoms and family history. These findings will aid in the identification of females at high risk of SrSCD and development of targeted prevention for female sport participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Rajan
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Section 2142, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Rodrigue Garcia
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Section 2142, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,The Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Jesper Svane
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Section 2142, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Copenhagen University, Frederik V's Vej 11, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Section 2142, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Copenhagen University, Frederik V's Vej 11, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Hammami N, Frih B, Rahali H, Mkacher W, Rezgui T, Čular D, Bouassida A. Effects of taekwondo style practice on cardiac remodeling and isokinetic thigh strength in elite women players. Sci Sports 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Sex-Specific Impacts of Exercise on Cardiovascular Remodeling. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173833. [PMID: 34501285 PMCID: PMC8432130 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in men and women. Biological sex plays a major role in cardiovascular physiology and pathological cardiovascular remodeling. Traditionally, pathological remodeling of cardiovascular system refers to the molecular, cellular, and morphological changes that result from insults, such as myocardial infarction or hypertension. Regular exercise training is known to induce physiological cardiovascular remodeling and beneficial functional adaptation of the cardiovascular apparatus. However, impact of exercise-induced cardiovascular remodeling and functional adaptation varies between males and females. This review aims to compare and contrast sex-specific manifestations of exercise-induced cardiovascular remodeling and functional adaptation. Specifically, we review (1) sex disparities in cardiovascular function, (2) influence of biological sex on exercise-induced cardiovascular remodeling and functional adaptation, and (3) sex-specific impacts of various types, intensities, and durations of exercise training on cardiovascular apparatus. The review highlights both animal and human studies in order to give an all-encompassing view of the exercise-induced sex differences in cardiovascular system and addresses the gaps in knowledge in the field.
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19
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Butters A, Arnott C, Sweeting J, Winkel BG, Semsarian C, Ingles J. Sex Disparities in Sudden Cardiac Death. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2021; 14:e009834. [PMID: 34397259 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.009834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The overall incidence of sudden cardiac death is considerably lower among women than men, reflecting significant and often under-recognized sex differences. Women are older at time of sudden cardiac death, less likely to have a prior cardiac diagnosis, and less likely to have coronary artery disease identified on postmortem examination. They are more likely to experience their death at home, during sleep, and less likely witnessed. Women are also more likely to present in pulseless electrical activity or systole rather than ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Conversely, women are less likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation or receive cardiac intervention post-arrest. Underpinning sex disparities in sudden cardiac death is a paucity of women recruited to clinical trials, coupled with an overall lack of prespecified sex-disaggregated evidence. Thus, predominantly male-derived data form the basis of clinical guidelines. This review outlines the critical sex differences concerning epidemiology, cause, risk factors, prevention, and outcomes. We propose 4 broad areas of importance to consider: physiological, personal, community, and professional factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Butters
- Cardio Genomics Program at Centenary Institute (A.B., J.I.), The University of Sydney.,Faculty of Medicine and Health (A.B., C.S., J.I.), The University of Sydney
| | - Clare Arnott
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (C.A., C.S., J.I.), Sydney, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health (C.A.), Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Bo Gregers Winkel
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark (B.G.W.)
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Faculty of Medicine and Health (A.B., C.S., J.I.), The University of Sydney.,Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute (C.S.), The University of Sydney.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (C.A., C.S., J.I.), Sydney, Australia
| | - Jodie Ingles
- Cardio Genomics Program at Centenary Institute (A.B., J.I.), The University of Sydney.,Faculty of Medicine and Health (A.B., C.S., J.I.), The University of Sydney.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (C.A., C.S., J.I.), Sydney, Australia
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20
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Kleinnibbelink G, Panhuyzen-Goedkoop N, Hulshof H, van Dijk A, George K, Somauroo J, Oxborough D, Thijssen DHJ. Exercise Training Induces Left- but not Right-sided Cardiac Remodelling in Olympic Rowers. Int J Sports Med 2021; 43:151-160. [PMID: 34375989 DOI: 10.1055/a-1524-2611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Whilst the athlete's heart has been extensively described, less work has focused on the potential for elite athletes to demonstrate further cardiac remodelling upon an increase in training volume. Moreover, little work explored potential side-specific cardiac remodelling. Therefore, we examined the impact of an increase in training volume across 9-months in elite rowers on left- and right-sided cardiac structure, function and mechanics (i. e. longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain, twist and strain-volume loops). As part of the preparations to the 2012 Olympic Games, twenty-seven elite rowers (26.4±3.7years, 19 male) underwent echocardiography prior to and post (9 months) an increase in training volume (24 to 30-35 h weekly). Training increased left ventricular structure, including wall thickness, diameter, volume, mass and LV twist (all p<0.05). Female rowers demonstrated larger adaptation in left ventricular diameter and mass compared to male rowers (both p<0.05). No changes were observed in other measures of left ventricular function in both sexes (all p>0.05). The 9-month intervention showed no change in right ventricular/atrial structure, function or mechanics (all p>0.05). In conclusion, our data revealed that 9-month increased training volume in elite rowers induced left-sided (but not right-sided) structural remodelling, concomitant with an increase in left ventricular twist, with some changes larger in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Kleinnibbelink
- Department of Physiology, Research Insitute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Nicole Panhuyzen-Goedkoop
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, AMC Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Sports Cardiology, Sports Medical Centre Papendal, Arnhem, Netherlands
| | - Hugo Hulshof
- Department of Cardiology, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Arie van Dijk
- Department of Cardiology, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - John Somauroo
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Dick H J Thijssen
- Department of Cardiology, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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21
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Albaeni A, Davis JW, Ahmad M. Echocardiographic evaluation of the Athlete's heart. Echocardiography 2021; 38:1002-1016. [PMID: 33971043 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac response to prolonged, intense exercise induces phenotypic and physiologic adaptive changes that improve myocardial ability to meet oxygen demands. These adaptations, termed "athletes' heart," have been extensively studied. The importance of this entity arises from the increasing numbers of athletes as well as the drive for physical fitness in the general population leading to adaptive cardiac changes that need to be differentiated from life-threatening cardiovascular diseases. A number of pathologic entities may share phenotypic changes with the athletes' heart such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, Marfan's syndrome, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Cardiologists need to be cognizant of these overlapping findings to appropriately diagnose diseases and prevent catastrophic outcomes especially in young and healthy individuals who may not show any symptoms until they engage in intense exercise. It is equally important to recognize and distinguish normal, exercise-adaptive cardiac changes to provide accurate screening and guidance to young elite athletes. Echocardiography is a valuable modality that allows comprehensive initial evaluation of cardiac structures, function, and response to exercise. Several different echocardiographic techniques including M-Mode, 2D echo, Doppler, tissue Doppler, color tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking have been used in the evaluation of cardiac adaptation to exercise. The following discussion is a review of literature that has expanded our knowledge of the athlete's heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiham Albaeni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - John W Davis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Masood Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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22
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Patel R, Kemp CL, Hafejee M, Peckham N, Jain V, McCann GP, Pallikadavath S. The Underrepresentation of Females in Studies Assessing the Impact of High-Dose Exercise on Cardiovascular Outcomes: a Scoping Review. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2021; 7:30. [PMID: 33914201 PMCID: PMC8085142 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00320-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
High-dose exercise-induced cardiac outcomes may vary between sexes. However, many studies investigating the cardiovascular effects of high-dose exercise have excluded or under-recruited females. This scoping review aimed to describe the recruitment of females in studies assessing the impact of high-dose exercise on cardiovascular outcomes and describe how this has changed over time. This scoping review followed the protocol outlined by Arksey and O’Malley and is reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The OVID and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that assessed the effects of high-dose exercise on cardiovascular outcomes. Both professional and nonprofessional groups were included. The review found 2973 studies, and 250 met the inclusion criteria including cumulatively 17,548,843 subjects. Over half the studies (n = 127) excluded females entirely, and only 8 (3.2%) studies recruited all-female participants. The overall mean percentage of females recruited was 18.2%. The mean percentage was 14.5% in studies conducted before 2011 and 21.8% in studies conducted after 2011. Females are an underrepresented group in studies assessing the cardiovascular outcomes related to high-dose exercise. As cardiovascular outcomes vary between sexes, translating findings from a largely male-based evidence may not be appropriate. Future investigators should aim to establish and overcome barriers to female recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Patel
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Caitlin L Kemp
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Nicholas Peckham
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vageesh Jain
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gerry P McCann
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Susil Pallikadavath
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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Oláh A, Barta BA, Sayour AA, Ruppert M, Virág-Tulassay E, Novák J, Varga ZV, Ferdinandy P, Merkely B, Radovits T. Balanced Intense Exercise Training Induces Atrial Oxidative Stress Counterbalanced by the Antioxidant System and Atrial Hypertrophy That Is Not Associated with Pathological Remodeling or Arrhythmogenicity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030452. [PMID: 33803975 PMCID: PMC7999710 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although regular exercise training is associated with cardiovascular benefits, the increased risk of atrial arrhythmias has been observed after vigorous exercise and has been related to oxidative stress. We aimed at investigating exercise-induced atrial remodeling in a rat model of an athlete’s heart and determining sex-specific differences. Age-matched young adult rats were divided into female exercised, female control, male exercised, and male control groups. After exercised animals completed a 12-week-long swim training protocol, echocardiography and in vivo cardiac electrophysiologic investigation were performed. Additionally, atrial histological and gene expression analyses were carried out. Post-mortem atrial weight data and histological examination confirmed marked atrial hypertrophy. We found increased atrial gene expression of antioxidant enzymes along with increased nitro-oxidative stress. No gene expression alteration was found regarding markers of pathological remodeling, apoptotic, proinflammatoric, and profibrotic processes. Exercise training was associated with a prolonged right atrial effective refractory period. We could not induce arrhythmias by programmed stimulation in any groups. We found decreased expression of potassium channels. Female gender was associated with lower profibrotic expression and collagen density. Long-term, balanced exercise training-induced atrial hypertrophy is not associated with harmful electrical remodeling, and no inflammatory or profibrotic response was observed in the atrium of exercised rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-458-6810; Fax: +36-1-458-6842
| | - Bálint András Barta
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Alex Ali Sayour
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Mihály Ruppert
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Eszter Virág-Tulassay
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Julianna Novák
- HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (J.N.); (Z.V.V.)
| | - Zoltán V. Varga
- HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (J.N.); (Z.V.V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University; Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary;
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University; Városmajor str. 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (B.A.B.); (A.A.S.); (M.R.); (E.V.-T.); (B.M.); (T.R.)
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Lasocka Z, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A, Kaleta AM, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Faran A, Szołkiewicz E, Przybyłowski K, Szołkiewicz A, Daniluk P, Raczak G, Lewicka E. Electrocardiographic Changes in Male and Female Amateur Marathon Runners: A Comparison Study. Int J Sports Med 2021; 42:936-944. [PMID: 33621993 DOI: 10.1055/a-1323-3215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Physical training is gaining popularity among amateurs. Males and females exhibit different cardiac adaptation to exercise. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities before and after the marathon between sexes. 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed in 40 male (39±8 years) and 27 female (40±7 years) amateur runners: 2-3 weeks before (Stage 1) and immediately after (Stage 2) the marathon. Abnormalities in the resting (Stage 1) and exercise (Stage 2) electrocardiograms were compared between sexes. At rest left atrial enlargement was more frequent in females than males (48 vs. 20%; p<0.05). The incidence of right atrial enlargement was significantly more common at Stage 2 than 1, both in men (43 vs. 0%; p<0.001) and in women (48 vs. 4%; p=0.001). Significant increase of P-wave amplitude was found in male runners after the marathon (0.12±0.05 vs. 0.21±0.09 mV; p<0.001 Stage 1 vs. 2), but was absent in females. QTc prolongation was observed in both sexes, however to a higher degree in males (p<0.05 for the interaction stage and sex). Although both male and female amateur marathon runners exhibit abnormalities in resting and exercise electrocardiograms, men present more exercise-induced electrocardiographic changes, which might indicate a higher propensity for post-marathon arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic screening in amateurs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Maria Kaleta
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Faran
- University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Szołkiewicz
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Krystian Przybyłowski
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alicja Szołkiewicz
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Paulina Daniluk
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Yoon HJ, Kim KH, Hornsby K, Park JH, Park H, Kim HY, Cho JY, Ahn Y, Jeong MH, Cho JG. Gender Difference of Cardiac Remodeling in University Athletes: Results from 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade. Korean Circ J 2021; 51:426-438. [PMID: 33764011 PMCID: PMC8112176 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2020.0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives There is little data about cardiac geometry in highly trained young athletes, especially female specific changes. We investigated gender difference on exercise induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) in highly trained university athletes. Methods A total of 1,185 university athletes divided into 2 groups; female (n=497, 22.0±2.3 years) vs. male (n=688, 22.6±2.4 years). Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), and any cardiac chamber were compared. Results LV, LA, RV, and any remodeling was found in 156 (13.2%), 206 (17.4%), 82 (6.9%), and 379 athletes (31.9%), respectively. LV, LA, and any remodeling were more common in male than female athletes (n=53, 12.1% vs. n=103, 15.5%, p=0.065), (n=65, 13.1% vs. n=141, 20.5%, p<0.001), (n=144, 30.0% vs. n=235, 34.2%, p=0.058), respectively, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in female than male athletes (n=56, 11.3% vs. n=26, 3.8%, p<0.001). Interestingly, the development of LV, LA, and RV remodeling were not overlapped in many of athletes, suggesting different mechanism of EICR according to cardiac chamber. Various predictors including sports type, heart rate, muscle mass, fat mass, body surface area, and training time were differently involved in cardiac remodeling, and there were gender differences of these predictors for cardiac remodeling. Conclusions EICR was common in both sex and was independently developed among cardiac chambers in highly trained university athletes. LV and LA remodeling were common in males, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in females demonstrating gender difference in EICR. The present study also demonstrated gender difference in the predictors of EICR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Yoon
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kye Hun Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
| | - Kyle Hornsby
- International University Sports Federation (FISU), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jae Hyeong Park
- Department of Cardiology in Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyukjin Park
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyung Yoon Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae Yeong Cho
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Myung Ho Jeong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jeong Gwan Cho
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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de la Guía-Galipienso F, Sanchis-Gomar F, Quesada-Dorador A. Diagnostic electrophysiological study in a highly trained young woman with presyncopal symptoms during exercise: a case report. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:177. [PMID: 33569479 PMCID: PMC7867889 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) ventricular tachycardia (VT) is frequent and occurs in patients without structural heart disease, especially in highly trained athletes. Most of the studies on cardiac adaptations to exercise have been investigated in male athletes. Women, however, are increasingly participating in sports and electrical and structural adaptations in male and female athletes differ significantly. These cardiac adaptations dissimilarities between males and females have potential implications in diagnosing certain types of arrhythmias. We present here a case of a 35-year-old highly-trained woman endurance athlete that attended the clinic complaining about chest pain and dyspnea on exertion, dizziness and presyncope occurring during maximum-intensity exercise training sessions. An exercise stress testing was performed on cycle ergometer. The test elapsed normally until the patient reached a heart rate of 169 bpm, when she presented identical symptoms to those described during the first interview in the clinic. A wide-complex and notched QRS tachycardia was observed in the inferior leads, inferior axis leads and transition from leads V4 to V5, suspending the test immediately. The patient was referred to perform an electrophysiological study and eventually radiofrequency catheter ablation in order to eliminate the culprit VT. Precocity occurred in the posterior lateral wall of the RVOT, immediately below the pulmonary valve. Radiofrequency application in the arrhythmogenic focus suppressed all ectopic activity despite maintaining isoproterenol infusion. After 30 minutes, the effect was maintained, and the ectopic focus was successfully ablated. The recognition of this clinical entity in females may be challenging since cardiac remodeling in response to exercise may be invaluable due to their biological, anatomical, and hormonal characteristics. In effect, electrical and structural adaptations in males and females may differ considerably. Both exercise stress testing and diagnostic electrophysiological study represent essential and invaluable tools to reach a final diagnosis, especially in highly trained females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Sanchis-Gomar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aurelio Quesada-Dorador
- Arrhythmia Unit, Cardiology Service, General University Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
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Gerardin B, Guedeney P, Bellemain-Appaix A, Levasseur T, Mustafic H, Benamer H, Monsegu J, Lamhaut L, Montalescot G, Aubry P, Collet JP. Life-threatening and major cardiac events during long-distance races: updates from the prospective RACE PARIS registry with a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2020; 28:679-686. [PMID: 34021577 DOI: 10.1177/2047487320943001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Limited data exist regarding the incidence and aetiology of life-threatening events such as major cardiac events or exertional heat stroke during long-distance races. We aimed to provide an updated incidence, etiology and prognosis of life-threatening events during long-distance races. METHODS The prospective RACE PARIS registry recorded all life-threatening events/fatal events occurring during 46 marathons, half-marathons and other long-distance races in the Paris area between 2006 and 2016, comprising 1,073,722 runners. Event characteristics were determined by review of medical records and interviews with survivors. RESULTS The incidence of life-threatening events, exertional heat stroke and major cardiac events was 3.35 per 100,000, 1.02 per 100,000 and 2.33 per 100,000, respectively, including 18 sudden cardiac arrests (1.67 per 100,000). The main aetiology of sudden cardiac arrest was myocardial ischaemia (11/18), due to acute coronary thrombosis (6/11), stable atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (2/11), coronary dissection (1/11), anomalous connection (1/11) or myocardial bridging (1/11). A third of participants with ischaemia-related major cardiac events presented with pre-race clinical symptoms. Major cardiac events were more frequent in the case of a high pollution index (6.78 per 100,000 vs. 2.07 per 100,000, odds ratio 3.27, 95% confidence interval 1.12-9.54). Case fatality was low (0.19 per 100,000). Similarly, we report in a meta-analysis of eight long-distance race registries comprising 16,223,866 runners a low incidence of long-distance race-related sudden cardiac arrest (0.82 per 100,000) and fatality (0.39 per 100,000). Death following sudden cardiac arrest was strongly associated with initial asystole or pulseless rhythm. CONCLUSION Long-distance race-related life-threatening events remain rare although serious events. Better information for runners on the risk of pre-race clinical symptoms, outside air pollution and temperature may reduce their incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Gerardin
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Paul Guedeney
- Sorbonne Université, ACTION Study Group, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), France
| | - Anne Bellemain-Appaix
- Department of Cardiology, ACTION Study Group, Centre Hospitalier La Fontonne, France
| | - Thomas Levasseur
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Reims, France
| | - Hazrije Mustafic
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Ambroise Paré, France
| | | | - Jacques Monsegu
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Mutualiste de Grenoble, France
| | | | - Gilles Montalescot
- Sorbonne Université, ACTION Study Group, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), France
| | - Pierre Aubry
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Bichat-Claude Bernard, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Collet
- Sorbonne Université, ACTION Study Group, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), France
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Petek BJ, Baggish AL. Current controversies in pre-participation cardiovascular screening for young competitive athletes. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:435-442. [PMID: 32594825 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1787154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-participation cardiovascular screening (PPCS) in athletes is recommended by numerous medical and sporting societies. While there is consensus that young athletes should be screened prior to participation in competitive sports, there are on-going debates regarding the true incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), the most frequent causes of SCD, and the optimal methods for PPCS. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the current evidence for the incidence of SCD, causes of SCD, and the pros and cons of a history and physical exam (H&P) and electrocardiogram (ECG) in PPCS of young competitive athletes. EXPERT OPINION With significant controversy surrounding PPCS in athletes, a large-randomized trial powered for mortality is needed to assess the utility of PPCS and to define the optimal screening methods to detect cardiovascular diseases that may lead to SCD in competitive athletes. Until a trial of this caliber is created, controversy will remain and heterogeneity in care will exist. Future research should also define the optimal timing and frequency of PPCS given age-related penetrance of certain diseases, create evidence-based history questionnaires, continue to optimize ECG screening criteria, and create more learning modules for ECG interpretation in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Petek
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, MA, USA
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Gender differences in prevalence and prognostic value of fragmented QRS complex. J Electrocardiol 2020; 61:1-9. [PMID: 32460128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with scarred myocardium and adverse outcome. However, the data on gender differences in terms of its prevalence and prognostic value is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether gender differences in fQRS exist among subjects drawn from populations with different risk profiles. METHODS We analyzed fQRS from 12-lead ECG in 953 autopsy-confirmed victims of sudden cardiac death (SCD) (78% men; 67.0 ± 11.4 yrs), 1900 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with angiographically confirmed stenosis of ≥50% (70% men; 66.6 ± 9.0 yrs, 43% with previous myocardial infarction [MI]), and in 10,904 adults drawn from the Finnish adult general population (52% men; 44.0 ± 8.5 yrs). RESULTS Prevalence of fQRS was associated with older age, male sex and the history and severity of prior cardiac disease of subjects. Among the general population fQRS was more commonly found among men in comparison to women (20.5% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of fQRS rose gradually along with the severity of prior cardiac disease in both genders, yet remained significantly higher in the male population: subjects with suspected or known cardiac disease (25.4% vs. 15.8% p < 0.001), CAD patients without prior MI (39.9% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001), CAD patients with prior MI (42.9% vs. 31.2%, p < 0.001), and victims of SCD (56.4% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of QRS fragmentation varies in different populations. The fragmentation is clearly related to the underlying cardiac disease in both genders, however women seem to have significantly lower prevalence of fQRS in each patient population in comparison to men.
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Parry-Williams G, Sharma S. The effects of endurance exercise on the heart: panacea or poison? Nat Rev Cardiol 2020; 17:402-412. [PMID: 32152528 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-020-0354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regular aerobic physical exercise of moderate intensity is undeniably associated with improved health and increased longevity, with some studies suggesting that more is better. Endurance athletes exceed the usual recommendations for exercise by 15-fold to 20-fold. The need to sustain a large cardiac output for prolonged periods is associated with a 10-20% increase in left and right ventricular size and a substantial increase in left ventricular mass. A large proportion of endurance athletes have raised levels of cardiac biomarkers (troponins and B-type natriuretic peptide) and cardiac dysfunction for 24-48 h after events, but what is the relevance of these findings? In the longer term, some endurance athletes have an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmias. The inherent association between these 'maladaptations' and sudden cardiac death in the general population raises the question of whether endurance exercise could be detrimental for some individuals. However, despite speculation that these abnormalities confer an increased risk of future adverse events, elite endurance athletes have an increased life expectancy compared with the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Parry-Williams
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical and Academic Group, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
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Sex/Gender-Specific Imbalance in CVD: Could Physical Activity Help to Improve Clinical Outcome Targeting CVD Molecular Mechanisms in Women? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041477. [PMID: 32098263 PMCID: PMC7073076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, new insights have been gained regarding sex/gender-related differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD represents the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women, accounting for at least one-third of all deaths in women and half of deaths in women over 50 years in developing countries. Important sex-related differences in prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes of different CVDs have been recently discovered, demonstrating sex/gender-specific pathophysiologic features in the presentation and prognosis of CVD in men and women. A large amount of evidence has highlighted the role of sex hormones in protecting women from CVDs, providing an advantage over men that is lost when women reach the menopause stage. This hormonal-dependent shift of sex-related CVD risk consequently affects the overall CVD epidemiology, particularly in light of the increasing trend of population aging. The benefits of physical activity have been recognized for a long time as a powerful preventive approach for both CVD prevention and aging-related morbidity control. Exercise training is indeed a potent physiological stimulus, which reduces primary and secondary cardiovascular events. However, the underlying mechanisms of these positive effects, including from a sex/gender perspective, still need to be fully elucidated. The aim of this work is to provide a review of the evidence linking sex/gender-related differences in CVD, including sex/gender-specific molecular mediators, to explore whether sex- and gender-tailored physical activity may be used as an effective tool to prevent CVD and improve clinical outcomes in women.
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Audit of a cardiac screening policy for elite Australian cricketers. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 23:541-547. [PMID: 31956043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the compliance and results of an electrocardiogram (ECG) cardiac screening program in male and female elite Australian cricketers. DESIGN cross-sectional study. METHODS Elite cricketers were offered screening in accordance with Cricket Australia policy. Players who consented provided a personal and family history, physical examination and resting 12-lead ECG. An audit (1 February 2019) examined all cardiac screening records for male and female players in all Australian Cricket state squads from 16 years upwards. Data extracted from the Cricket Australia database included the number of players who underwent screening; signed waivers opting out; and had follow-up tests. ECGs were re-reviewed according to the International Criteria. RESULTS 710 players were included in the cohort (mean age 20.4±4.9 years, 62% male). 692 (97.5%) players underwent recommended cardiac screening or signed a waiver opting out (1.1%). 173 (24.4%) players were screened (or signed a waiver) more than once. Follow-up testing was conducted for 59 (6.9%) cases. No players were excluded from sport due to a cardiac problem and no major cardiac incidents occurred to any player in the audit cohort. Review of 830 ECGs showed benign athlete heart changes, including sinus bradycardia (33.5%), left ventricular hypertrophy (16.3%), and incomplete/partial right bundle branch block (8.4%), were common but abnormal screening ECGs were uncommon (2.0%). CONCLUSIONS An audit of a cardiac screening program in elite Australian cricketers found excellent compliance. A small proportion required follow-up testing and no player was excluded from sport due to a cardiac problem. ECG analysis suggested cricket is a sport of moderate cardiac demands, with benign athlete heart changes common.
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