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Kurtoğlu A, Akgümüş A, Balun A, Aydın E, Kurtoğlu E, Çar B, Konar N, Eken Ö, Nobari H. Investigation of left atrial mechanical function and left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters in athletes performing resistance exercise and combined exercise. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:237. [PMID: 38705994 PMCID: PMC11070078 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03908-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Some individuals who go to fitness centers for various purposes perform resistance exercise (RE) alone, while others engage in combined exercise (CE) by including cardio exercises along with RE. Studying the effects of these two different training methods on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical function is an important step toward understanding the effects of different types of exercise on cardiac function. This knowledge has significant implications for public health, as it can inform the development of targeted and effective exercise programs that prioritize cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the LV systolic and diastolic parameters of athletes who engage in RE and CE using ECHO, to contribute to the growing body of literature on the cardiovascular effects of different types of exercise. Forty-two amateur athletes aged between 17 and 52 were included in our study. The participants consisted of the RE (n = 26) group who did only resistance exercise during the weekly exercise period, and the CE group (n = 16) who also did cardio exercise with resistance exercises. After determining sports age (year), weekly exercise frequency (day), and training volume (min) in addition to demographic information of RE and CE groups, left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial functions were determined by ECHO. Findings from our study revealed that parameters including the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p = .008), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p = .020), stroke volume index (SV-I) (p = .048), conduit volume (CV-I) (p = .001), and aortic strain (AS) (p = .017) were notably higher in the RE group compared to the CE group. Also left atrial active emptying volüme (LAAEV) of CE was higher than the RE group (p = .031). In conclusion, the cardiac parameters of the RE group showed more athlete's heart characteristics than the CE group. These results may help to optimize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise routines while minimizing the potential risks associated with improper training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Kurtoğlu
- Department of Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport Science, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Band?rma/Bal?kesir, 10200, Türkiye
| | - Alkame Akgümüş
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Bandırma, Balıkesir, 10200, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Balun
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Bandırma, Balıkesir, 10200, Türkiye
| | - Engin Aydın
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, 34668, Türkiye
| | - Ertuğrul Kurtoğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Battalgazi/Malatya, 44000, Türkiye
| | - Bekir Çar
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Teaching, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Band?rma/Bal?kesir, 10200, Türkiye
| | - Nurettin Konar
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Teaching, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Band?rma/Bal?kesir, 10200, Türkiye
| | - Özgür Eken
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Teaching, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Inonu University, Malatya, 44000, Türkiye
| | - Hadi Nobari
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, 10003, Spain.
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 56199-11367, Iran.
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Cornwell WK, Levine BD. Unraveling the Unsolved Mysteries of the Athletic Heart. Circulation 2024; 149:1416-1418. [PMID: 38683901 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.124.064534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- William K Cornwell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora (W.K.C.)
- Clinical Translational Research Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO (W.K.C.)
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (B.D.L.)
- Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Dallas (B.D.L.)
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Henning RJ. The differentiation of the competitive athlete with physiologic cardiac remodeling from the athlete with cardiomyopathy. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102473. [PMID: 38447749 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102473] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
There are currently 5 million active high school, collegiate, professional, and master athletes in the United States. Regular intense exercise by these athletes can promote structural, electrical and functional remodeling of the heart, which is termed the "athlete's heart." In addition, regular intense exercise can lead to pathological adaptions that promote or worsen cardiac disease. Many of the athletes in the United States seek medical care. Consequently, physicians must be aware of the normal cardiac anatomy and physiology of the athlete, the differentiation of the normal athlete heart from the athlete with cardiomyopathy, and the contemporary care of the athlete with a cardiomyopathy. In athletes with persistent cardiovascular symptoms, investigations should include a detailed history and physical examination, an ECG, a transthoracic echocardiogram, and in athletes in whom the diagnosis is uncertain, a maximal exercise stress test or a continuous ECG recording, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or cardiac computed tomography angiography when definition of the coronary anatomy or characterization of the aorta and the aortic great vessels is indicated. This article discusses the differentiation of the normal athlete with physiologic cardiac remodeling from the athlete with hypertrophic, dilated or arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (ACM). The ECG changes in trained athletes that are considered normal, borderline, or abnormal are listed. In addition, the normal echocardiographic measurements for athletes who consistently participate in endurance, power, combined or heterogeneous sports are enumerated and discussed. Algorithms are listed that are useful in the diagnosis of trained athletes with borderline or abnormal echocardiographic measurements suggestive of cardiomyopathies along with the major and minor criteria for the diagnosis of ACM in athletes. Thereafter, the treatment of athletes with hypertrophic, dilated, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies are reviewed. The distinction between physiologic changes and pathologic changes in the hearts of athletes has important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Failure by the physician to correctly diagnose an athlete with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, or ACM, can lead to the sudden cardiac arrest and death of the athlete during training or sports competition. Conversely, an incorrect diagnosis by a physician of cardiac pathology in a normal athlete can lead to an unnecessary restriction of athlete training and competition with resultant significant emotional, psychological, financial, and long-term health consequences in the athlete.
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Augustine DX, Willis J, Sivalokanathan S, Wild C, Sharma A, Zaidi A, Pearce K, Stuart G, Papadakis M, Sharma S, Malhotra A. Right ventricular assessment of the adolescent footballer's heart. Echo Res Pract 2024; 11:7. [PMID: 38424646 PMCID: PMC10905853 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00039-4] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Athletic training can result in electrical and structural changes of the right ventricle that may mimic phenotypical features of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), such as T-wave inversion and right heart dilatation. An erroneous interpretation may have consequences ranging from false reassurance in an athlete vulnerable to cardiac arrhythmias, to unnecessary sports restriction in a healthy individual. The primary aim of this study was to define normal RV dimension reference ranges for academy adolescent footballers of different ethnicities. Secondary aims include analysis of potential overlap between this adolescent group with ARVC criteria and comparison with normal adult ranges. RESULTS Electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic data of 1087 academy male footballers aged between 13 and 18 years old (mean age 16.0 ± 0.5 years), attending mandatory cardiac screening were analysed. Ethnicity was categorised as white (n = 826), black (African/Caribbean; n = 166) and mixed-race (one parent white and one parent black; n = 95). Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy major criteria for T-wave inversion was seen in 3.3% of the cohort. This was more prevalent in black footballers (12%) when compared to mixed race footballers (6.3%) or white footballers (1%), P < 0.05. Up to 59% of the cohort exceeded adult reference ranges for some of the right ventricular parameters, although values were similar to those seen in adult footballers. There were no differences in right ventricular dimensions between ethnicities. In particular, the right ventricular outflow tract diameter would fulfil major criteria for ARVC dimension in 12% of footballers. Overall, 0.2% of the cohort would fulfil diagnosis for 'definite' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 2.2% would fulfil diagnosis for 'borderline' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy for RV dimensions and ECG changes. This was seen more frequently in black footballers (9.9%) than mixed race footballers (3.9%) or white footballer (0.6%), P < 0.05. Among athletes meeting definite or borderline arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy criteria, no cardiomyopathy was identified after comprehensive clinical assessment, including with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, exercise testing, ambulatory electrocardiograms and familial evaluation. CONCLUSION Right heart sizes in excess of accepted adult ranges occurred in as many as one in two adolescent footballers. Structural adaptations in conjunction with anterior T-wave inversion may raise concern for ARVC, highlighting the need for evaluation in expert settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - J Willis
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - S Sivalokanathan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Wild
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - A Sharma
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Zaidi
- University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Pearce
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - G Stuart
- Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Papadakis
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Sharma
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Finocchiaro G, Westaby J, Sheppard MN, Papadakis M, Sharma S. Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2024; 83:350-370. [PMID: 38199713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.032] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Athletes epitomize the healthiest segment of society. Despite this premise, sudden cardiac death may occur in apparently healthy athletes, attracting significant attention not only in the medical community but also in laypersons and media. The incidence of sudden cardiac death is variably reported, and epidemiological burden differs among cohorts. Athletes appear to be at risk of developing fatal arrhythmias when harboring a quiescent cardiac disorder. Primary cardiomyopathies, ion channelopathies, and coronary artery anomalies are prevalent causes in young individuals. Cardiac assessment of athletes can be challenging because these individuals exhibit a plethora of electrical, structural, and functional physiological changes that overlap with cardiac pathology. A diagnosis of cardiac disease in a young athlete is not necessarily an indication to terminate competition and sports participation. International guidelines, traditionally focused on disqualification of individuals with cardiac disease, have recently adopted a more liberal attitude, based on a careful assessment of the risk and on a shared-decision making approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Westaby
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary N Sheppard
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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Meyer M, Infeld M, Habel N, Lustgarten D. Personalized accelerated physiologic pacing. Eur Heart J Suppl 2023; 25:G33-G43. [PMID: 37970518 PMCID: PMC10637836 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suad117] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly prevalent with a high socioeconomic burden. Pharmacological heart rate lowering was recommended to improve ventricular filling in HFpEF. This article discusses the misperceptions that have resulted in an overprescription of beta-blockers, which in all likelihood have untoward effects on patients with HFpEF, even if they have atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease as a comorbidity. Directly contradicting the lower heart rate paradigm, faster heart rates provide haemodynamic and structural benefits, amongst which lower cardiac filling pressures and improved ventricular capacitance may be most important. Safe delivery of this therapeutic approach is feasible with atrial and ventricular conduction system pacing that aims to emulate or enhance cardiac excitation to maximize the haemodynamic benefits of accelerated pacing. This conceptual framework was first tested in the myPACE randomized controlled trial of patients with pre-existing pacemakers and preclinical or overt HFpEF. This article provides the background and path towards this treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Meyer
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, 111 Colchester Avenue, McClure Level 1, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
- Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota College of Medicine, 2231 6th St. SE, 4-165 CCRB, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Margaret Infeld
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, 111 Colchester Avenue, McClure Level 1, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
- Cardiovascular Center, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nicole Habel
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, 111 Colchester Avenue, McClure Level 1, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Daniel Lustgarten
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, 111 Colchester Avenue, McClure Level 1, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
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Flanagan H, Cooper R, George KP, Augustine DX, Malhotra A, Paton MF, Robinson S, Oxborough D. The athlete's heart: insights from echocardiography. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:15. [PMID: 37848973 PMCID: PMC10583359 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00027-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The manifestations of the athlete's heart can create diagnostic challenges during an echocardiographic assessment. The classifications of the morphological and functional changes induced by sport participation are often beyond 'normal limits' making it imperative to identify any overlap between pathology and normal physiology. The phenotype of the athlete's heart is not exclusive to one chamber or function. Therefore, in this narrative review, we consider the effects of sporting discipline and training volume on the holistic athlete's heart, as well as demographic factors including ethnicity, body size, sex, and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Flanagan
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Robert Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Keith P George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Daniel X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria F Paton
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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Forsythe L, George K, Papadakis M, Mill N, Daniels M, Oxborough D. Seasonal variation of cardiac structure and function in the elite rugby football league athlete. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:16. [PMID: 37817231 PMCID: PMC10566089 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00026-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-participation cardiac screening (PCS) of "Super-League" rugby football league (RFL) athletes is mandatory but may be completed at any time point. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac electrical, structural and functional variation across the competitive season. METHODS Elite, male, RFL athletes from a single Super-League club underwent cardiac evaluation using electrocardiography (ECG), 2D echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) at four time points across the RFL season; (1) End pre-season (ENDPRE), (2) mid-season (MIDCOMP), (3) end-season (ENDCOMP) and (4) End off-season (ENDOFF). Training loads for each time point were also determined. One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Total workload undertaken by athletes was lower at both MIDCOMP and ENDCOMP compared to ENDPRE (P < 0.001). ECG patterns were normal with training-related changes that were largely consistent across assessments. Structural data did not vary across assessment points. Standard functional data was not different across assessment points but apical rotation and twist were higher at ENDPRE (9.83˚ and 16.55˚, respectively compared to all other time points (MIDCOMP, 6.13˚ and 12.62˚; ENDCOMP, 5.84˚ and 12.12˚; ENDOFF 6.60˚ and 12.35˚). CONCLUSIONS Despite some seasonal variation in training load, the athletes' ECG and cardiac structure were stable across a competitive season. Seasonal variation in left ventricular (LV) apical rotation and twist, associated with higher training loads, should be noted in the context of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Forsythe
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF UK
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Nathan Mill
- St Helens Rugby Football League Club, St Helens, UK
| | - Matt Daniels
- St Helens Rugby Football League Club, St Helens, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF UK
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Leszczynski EC, Schwartz NE, McPeek AC, Currie KD, Ferguson DP, Garland T. Selectively breeding for high voluntary physical activity in female mice does not bestow inherent characteristics that resemble eccentric remodeling of the heart, but the mini-muscle phenotype does. SPORTS MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 5:205-212. [PMID: 37753423 PMCID: PMC10518799 DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity engagement results in a variety of positive health outcomes, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk partially due to eccentric remodeling of the heart. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if four replicate lines of High Runner mice that have been selectively bred for voluntary exercise on wheels have a cardiac phenotype that resembles the outcome of eccentric remodeling. Adult females (average age 55 days) from the 4 High Runner and 4 non-selected control lines were anaesthetized via vaporized isoflurane, then echocardiographic images were collected and analyzed for structural and functional differences. High Runner mice in general had lower ejection fractions compared to control mice lines (2-tailed p = 0.023 6) and tended to have thicker walls of the anterior portion of the left ventricle (p = 0.065). However, a subset of the High Runner individuals, termed mini-muscle mice, had greater ejection fraction (p = 0.000 6), fractional shortening percentage (p < 0.000 1), and ventricular mass at dissection (p < 0.002 7 with body mass as a covariate) compared to non-mini muscle mice. Mice from replicate lines bred for high voluntary exercise did not all have inherent positive cardiac functional or structural characteristics, although a genetically unique subset of mini-muscle individuals did have greater functional cardiac characteristics, which in conjunction with their previously described peripheral aerobic enhancements (e.g., increased capillarity) would partially account for their increased V ˙ O2max.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole E. Schwartz
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ashley C. McPeek
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - David P. Ferguson
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Theodore Garland
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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Johnson C, Sculthorpe N, George K, Stout M, Procter W, Cooper RM, Oxborough D. Concentric and Eccentric Remodelling of the Left Ventricle and Its Association to Function in the Male Athletes Heart: An Exploratory Study. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:269. [PMID: 37504525 PMCID: PMC10380865 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070269] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To compare (1) conventional left ventricular (LV) functional parameters, (2) LV peak strain and strain rate and (3) LV temporal strain and strain rate curves in age, ethnicity and sport-matched athletes with concentric, eccentric and normal LV geometry. METHODS Forty-five male athletes were categorised according to LV geometry including concentric remodelling/hypertrophy (CON), eccentric hypertrophy (ECC) or normal (NORM). Athletes were evaluated using conventional echocardiography and myocardial speck tracking, allowing the assessment of myocardial strain and strain rate; as well as twist mechanics. RESULTS Concentric remodelling was associated with an increased ejection fraction (EF) compared to normal geometry athletes (64% (48-78%) and 56% (50-65%), respectively; p < 0.04). No differences in peak myocardial strain or strain rate were present between LV geometry groups including global longitudinal strain (GLS; CON -16.9% (-14.9-20.6%); ECC -17.9% (-13.0-22.1%); NORM -16.9% (-12.8-19.4%)), global circumferential strain (GCS; CON -18.1% (-13.5-24.5%); ECC -18.7% (-15.6-22.4%); NORM -18.0% (-13.5-19.7%)), global radial strain (GRS; CON 42.2% (30.3-70.5%); ECC 50.0% (39.2-60.0%); NORM 40.6 (29.9-57.0%)) and twist (CON 14.9° (3.7-25.3°); ECC 12.5° (6.3-20.8°); NORM 13.2° (8.8-24.2°)). Concentric and eccentric remodelling was associated with alterations in temporal myocardial strain and strain rate as compared to normal geometry athletes. CONCLUSION Physiological concentric and eccentric remodelling in the athletes heart is generally associated with normal LV function; with concentric remodelling associated with an increased EF. Physiological concentric and eccentric remodelling in the athletes heart has no effect on peak myocardial strain but superior deformation and untwisting is unmasked when assessing the temporal distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Johnson
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Nicholas Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Martin Stout
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - William Procter
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, London EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - Robert M Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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11
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Stoičkov V, Radovanović D, Deljanin-Ilić M, Perišić Z, Pavlović M, Tasić I, Stoičkov I, Golubović M, Scanlan AT, Jakovljević V, Stojanović E. Sport-related differences in QT dispersion and echocardiographic parameters in male athletes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6770. [PMID: 37185606 PMCID: PMC10130053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic parameters in male athletes competing across different sports (long-distance running, volleyball, football, powerlifting, and bodybuilding) and a control population. Significant moderate-strong differences (p < 0.001, [Formula: see text] = 0.52-0.71) were found in corrected QTd, intraventricular septal wall thickness (ISWT), posterior wall thickness (PWT), relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV (left ventricular) index between groups. Corrected QTd, ISWT, PWT, and RWT were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in powerlifters and bodybuilders compared to other athlete groups and controls. While all athlete groups displayed a significantly higher LV index (p < 0.05) compared to controls, corrected QTd was significantly lower (p < 0.001) only in long-distance runners, volleyball athletes, and football athletes compared to controls. Normal or eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) was observed in most long-distance runners (58% and 33%), volleyball athletes (50% and 50%), and football athletes (56% and 41%). In contrast, concentric LVH was observed in most powerlifters (58%) and bodybuilders (54%). Advanced LVH, predominantly concentric in nature, appears to be accompanied with increased QTd in powerlifters and bodybuilders. On the other hand, runners, volleyball athletes, and football athletes experienced LVH toward the upper threshold of the normal reference range alongside reduced QTd compared to other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Stoičkov
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation "Niska Banja", Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, Niš, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Marina Deljanin-Ilić
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation "Niska Banja", Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, Niš, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Zoran Perišić
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
- Cardiovascular Diseases Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Milan Pavlović
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
- Cardiovascular Diseases Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Ivan Tasić
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation "Niska Banja", Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, Niš, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Mlađan Golubović
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
- Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Aaron T Scanlan
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Vladimir Jakovljević
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Human Pathology, Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Emilija Stojanović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
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12
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Schellenberg J, Ahathaller M, Matits L, Kirsten J, Kersten J, Steinacker JM. Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain as a Parameter of Mild Myocardial Dysfunction in Athletes after COVID-19. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10050189. [PMID: 37233156 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10050189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether symptoms during COVID-19 contribute to impaired left ventricular (LV) function remains unclear. We determine LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) between athletes with a positive COVID-19 test (PCAt) and healthy control athletes (CON) and relate it to symptoms during COVID-19. GLS is determined in four-, two-, and three-chamber views and assessed offline by a blinded investigator in 88 PCAt (35% women) (training at least three times per week/>20 MET) and 52 CONs from the national or state squad (38% women) at a median of two months after COVID-19. The results show that the GLS is significantly lower (GLS -18.53 ± 1.94% vs. -19.94 ± 1.42%, p < 0.001) and diastolic function significantly reduces (E/A 1.54 ± 0.52 vs. 1.66 ± 0.43, p = 0.020; E/E'l 5.74 ± 1.74 vs. 5.22 ± 1.36, p = 0.024) in PCAt. There is no association between GLS and symptoms like resting or exertional dyspnea, palpitations, chest pain or increased resting heart rate. However, there is a trend toward a lower GLS in PCAt with subjectively perceived performance limitation (p =0.054). A significantly lower GLS and diastolic function in PCAt compared with healthy peers may indicate mild myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19. However, the changes are within the normal range, so that clinical relevance is questionable. Further studies on the effect of lower GLS on performance parameters are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schellenberg
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Magdalena Ahathaller
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Lynn Matits
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Kirsten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Kersten
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Ulm Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The athlete's heart exhibits unique structural and functional adaptations in the setting of strenuous and repetitive athletic training which may be similarly found in pathologic states. The purpose of this review is to highlight the morphologic and functional changes associated with the athlete's heart, with a focus upon the insights that echocardiography provides into exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies are aiming to investigate the long-term effects and clinical consequences of an athlete's heart. The "gray-zone" continues to pose a clinical challenge and may indicate scenarios where additional imaging modalities, or longitudinal follow-up, provide a definitive answer. Echocardiography is likely to remain the first-line imaging modality for the cardiac evaluation of elite athletes. Multimodality imaging combined with outcome and long-term follow-up studies both during training and after retirement in both men and women may help further clarify the remaining mysteries in the coming years.
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14
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Prakash K, Swarnakari KM, Bai M, Manoharan MP, Raja R, Jamil A, Csendes D, Gutlapalli SD, Desai A, Desai DM, Hamid P. Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes: A Primary Level of Prevention. Cureus 2022; 14:e30517. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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15
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Certainties and Uncertainties of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Athletes. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9100361. [PMID: 36286312 PMCID: PMC9604894 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9100361] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged and intensive exercise induces remodeling of all four cardiac chambers, a physiological process which is coined as the “athlete’s heart”. This cardiac adaptation, however, shows overlapping features with non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, such as dilated, arrhythmogenic and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also associated with athlete’s sudden cardiac death. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a well-suited, highly reproducible imaging modality that can help differentiate athlete’s heart from cardiomyopathy. CMR allows accurate characterization of the morphology and function of cardiac chambers, providing full coverage of the ventricles. Moreover, it permits an in-depth understanding of the myocardial changes through specific techniques such as mapping or late gadolinium enhancement. In this narrative review, we will focus on the certainties and uncertainties of the role of CMR in sports cardiology. The main aspects of physiological adaptation due to regular and intensive sports activity and the application of CMR in highly trained athletes will be summarized.
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16
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La Gerche A, Wasfy MM, Brosnan MJ, Claessen G, Fatkin D, Heidbuchel H, Baggish AL, Kovacic JC. The Athlete's Heart-Challenges and Controversies: JACC Focus Seminar 4/4. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 80:1346-1362. [PMID: 36075838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regular exercise promotes structural, functional, and electrical remodeling of the heart, often referred to as the "athlete's heart," with intense endurance sports being associated with the greatest degree of cardiac remodeling. However, the extremes of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling are potentially associated with uncommon side effects. Atrial fibrillation is more common among endurance athletes and there is speculation that other arrhythmias may also be more prevalent. It is yet to be determined whether this arrhythmic susceptibility is a result of extreme exercise remodeling, genetic predisposition, or other factors. Gender may have the greatest influence on the cardiac response to exercise, but there has been far too little research directed at understanding differences in the sportsman's vs sportswoman's heart. Here in part 4 of a 4-part seminar series, the controversies and ambiguities regarding the athlete's heart, and in particular, its arrhythmic predisposition, genetic, and gender influences are reviewed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre La Gerche
- Clinical Research Domain, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Sports Cardiology, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria J Brosnan
- National Centre for Sports Cardiology, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diane Fatkin
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium; Cardiovascular Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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17
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Jørstad HT, Rienks R. The electrocardiogram in athletes with left ventricular dilatation and reduced ejection fraction. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13844. [PMID: 35917223 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harald T Jørstad
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences/Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rienk Rienks
- CardioExpert Clinic for Sports and Occupational Cardiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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18
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Radovanović D, Stoičkov V, Pechanova O, Scanlan AT, Jakovljević V, Stojanović E. The Relationships Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Echocardiographic Parameters in Female Basketball Players. Clin J Sport Med 2022; 32:e492-e498. [PMID: 35533139 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to (1) describe the cardiac structure and function and (2) to quantify the relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and echocardiographic parameters in female basketball players. DESIGN A cross-sectional experimental design. SETTING Controlled laboratory setting. PARTICIPANTS Professional, female basketball players (n = 18). INTERVENTION 25(OH)D and echocardiographic screening at the midpoint of the in-season phase, over a 2-week period in late Fall. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 25(OH)D and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was observed in the female players examined (77.8%), with most also displaying eccentric cardiac hypertrophy (77.8%). Nonsignificant, moderate correlations were found between 25(OH)D and structural echocardiographic parameters, including left atrium diameter (r = 0.34, P = 0.16), left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter (r = -0.46, P = 0.06), posterior wall thickness (r = 0.36, P = 0.14), LV mass (r = 0.30, P = 0.23), and LV index (r = 0.33, P = 0.18). Significant, large correlations were found between 25(OH)D and echocardiographic parameters indicative of systolic function, including LV ejection fraction (r = 0.59, P = 0.01), fractional shortening (r = 0.59, P = 0.01), and peak systolic mitral tissue velocity (r = 0.51, P = 0.003). Similarly, a significant, large correlation was found between 25(OH)D and diastolic function as indicated by mitral valve inflow deceleration time (r = 0.51, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the importance of female basketball players maintaining 25(OH)D concentration, given its possible physiological benefits on cardiac structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viktor Stoičkov
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
- Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation "Niška Banja", Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, Niš, Serbia
| | - Olga Pechanova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Aaron T Scanlan
- Human Exercise and Training Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Vladimir Jakovljević
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Human Pathology, Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov, Moscow, Russia ; and
| | - Emilija Stojanović
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Javed W, Price NJ, Saunderson CE, McDiarmid AK, Erhayiem B, Farooq M, O'Neill J, Millar LM, Malhotra A, Sharma S, Greenwood JP, Plein S, Swoboda PP. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of left atrial size and function in endurance athletes. Future Cardiol 2022; 18:697-707. [PMID: 35838166 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2021-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Left atrial (LA) dilatation is linked to cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation but its associations in athletes are unknown. The authors investigated whether aerobic fitness and clinical parameters are associated with LA dilatation and emptying fraction (EF) in endurance athletes. Materials & methods: 65 endurance athletes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance to assess LA size and function along with fitness assessment. 25 sedentary controls underwent an identical cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol. Results: In athletes, LA volume index was elevated, while total and passive LAEFs were decreased versus sedentary controls. Increasing age and maximal oxygen uptake were associated with LA volume index. Only older age was associated with decreased total LAEF. Conclusion: LA dilatation in athletes is associated with increasing age and aerobic fitness rather than conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Javed
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | - Nathan J Price
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | - Christopher Ed Saunderson
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | | | - Bara Erhayiem
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK.,Trent Cardiac Centre, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB 5, UK
| | - Maryum Farooq
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | - James O'Neill
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | - Lynne M Millar
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences St. George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK.,Bart's Heart Centre, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences St. George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences St. George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - John P Greenwood
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | - Sven Plein
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
| | - Peter P Swoboda
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL 2, UK
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20
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Danielian A, Shah AB. Differentiating Physiology from Pathology: The Gray Zones of the Athlete's Heart. Clin Sports Med 2022; 41:425-440. [PMID: 35710270 DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Routine vigorous exercise can lead to electrical, structural, and functional adaptations that can enhance exercise performance. There are several factors that determine the type and magnitude of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) in trained athletes. In some athletes with pronounced cardiac remodeling, there can be an overlap in morphologic features with mild forms of cardiomyopathy creating gray zone scenarios whereby distinguishing health from disease can be difficult. An integrated clinical approach that factors athlete-specific characteristics (sex, size, sport, ethnicity, and training history) and findings from multimodality imaging are essential to help make this distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Danielian
- Las Vegas Heart Associates- Affiliated with Mountain View Hospital, 2880 North Tenaya Way Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89128, USA
| | - Ankit B Shah
- Sports & Performance Cardiology Program, MedStar Health, 3333 North Calvert Street Suite 500 JPB, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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21
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De Bosscher R, Dausin C, Janssens K, Bogaert J, Elliott A, Ghekiere O, Van De Heyning CM, Sanders P, Kalman J, Fatkin D, Herbots L, Willems R, Heidbuchel H, La Gerche A, Claessen G. Rationale and design of the PROspective ATHletic Heart (Pro@Heart) study: long-term assessment of the determinants of cardiac remodelling and its clinical consequences in endurance athletes. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001309. [PMID: 35368514 PMCID: PMC8935177 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exercise-induced cardiac remodelling (EICR) results from the structural, functional and electrical adaptations to exercise. Despite similar sports participation, EICR varies and some athletes develop phenotypic features that overlap with cardiomyopathies. Training load and genotype may explain some of the variation; however, exercise ‘dose’ has lacked rigorous quantification. Few have investigated the association between EICR and genotype. Objectives (1) To identify the impact of training load and genotype on the variance of EICR in elite endurance athletes and (2) determine how EICR and its determinants are associated with physical performance, health benefits and cardiac pathology. Methods The Pro@Heart study is a multicentre prospective cohort trial. Three hundred elite endurance athletes aged 14–23 years will have comprehensive cardiovascular phenotyping using echocardiography, cardiac MRI, 12-lead ECG, exercise-ECG and 24-hour-Holter monitoring. Genotype will be determined using a custom cardiomyopathy gene panel and high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Follow-up will include online tracking of training load. Cardiac phenotyping will be repeated at 2, 5, 10 and 20 years. Results The primary endpoint of the Pro@Heart study is the association of EICR with both training load and genotype. The latter will include rare variants in cardiomyopathy-associated genes and polygenic risk scores for cardiovascular traits. Secondary endpoints are the incidence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, physical performance and health benefits and their association with training load and genotype. Conclusion The Pro@Heart study is the first long-term cohort study to assess the impact of training load and genotype on EICR. Trial registration number NCT05164328; ACTRN12618000716268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben De Bosscher
- Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Cardiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Kristel Janssens
- Cardiology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan Bogaert
- Radiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Elliott
- Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Olivier Ghekiere
- Cardiology, Jessa Hospital Campus Virga Jesse, Hasselt, Belgium.,Cardivacsular Sciences, University Hasselt Biomedical Research Institute Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Caroline M Van De Heyning
- Cardiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium.,Cardiovascular Sciences, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diane Fatkin
- Inherited Heart Diseases, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lieven Herbots
- Cardiology, Jessa Hospital Campus Virga Jesse, Hasselt, Belgium.,Cardivacsular Sciences, University Hasselt Biomedical Research Institute Rehabilitation Research Center, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Rik Willems
- Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Cardiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.,Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - André La Gerche
- Department of Cardiology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guido Claessen
- Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Cardiology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Patel P, Thompson PD. Diagnosing COVID-19 myocarditis in athletes using cMRI. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2022; 32:146-150. [PMID: 34954013 PMCID: PMC8695309 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An early report during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak noted myocardial involvement with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels >99th percentile in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients. Patients with cTnI elevations had higher in-hospital mortality. Additionally, myocarditis is associated with exercise-related sudden cardiac death in athletes. Therefore, reports of COVID-19 myocarditis concerned the sports cardiology community, which issued two guidelines on managing athletes with COVID-19 infection. We reviewed reports of myocardial involvement in athletes after COVID-19 infection published before June 2021. The incidence of the diagnosis of myocarditis in athletes post-COVID-19 ranged from 0 to 15.4% based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) performed 10 to 194 days after initial diagnosis of COVID-19. Only a few studies adhered to accepted myocarditis diagnostic guidelines and only two studies included a control group of uninfected athletes. There was significant heterogeneity in the method and protocols used in evaluating athletes post-COVID-19. The incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis in athletes appears to be over-diagnosed. The evaluation of myocarditis post-COVID-19 should be individually performed and managed according to the current guidelines. This can potentially prevent needless training restrictions and the inability to participate in competitive sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Patel
- Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, United States.
| | - Paul D Thompson
- Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, United States.
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23
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OUP accepted manuscript. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2022; 29:1594-1604. [DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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24
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MacLachlan H, Dhutia H, Bhatia R, Boden K, Forenc K, Basu J, Miles C, Osborne R, Chandra N, Malhotra A, Stuart G, Peirce N, Sharma S, Papadakis M. Results of a nationally implemented cardiac screening programme in elite cricket players in England and Wales. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 25:287-292. [PMID: 35016820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assessed the diagnostic yield and costs of an electrocardiogram-based national screening programme in elite cricket players and the incremental value of transthoracic echocardiography and periodic evaluation. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Between 2008 and 2019, 1208 cricketers underwent screening with a health questionnaire, 12-lead electrocardiogram and cardiology consultation. Athletes with concerning findings underwent on-site transthoracic echocardiography and further investigations as necessary. In addition, despite a normal health questionnaire and electrocardiogram, 342 (28.3%) athletes had a transthoracic echocardiogram and 493 (40.8%) underwent repeat evaluations. RESULTS After initial evaluation, 47 (3.9%) athletes underwent on-site transthoracic echocardiography of whom 35 (2.8%) were referred for further evaluation. Four athletes (0.3%) were diagnosed with major cardiac conditions; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1), arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (n = 1) and Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern (n = 2). Two athletes were identified with minor valvular abnormalities. Repeat evaluation of 493 athletes identified hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a 22-year-old athlete, two years after his initial normal screening. During a follow-up of 5.8 ± 2.9 years no additional diagnoses or adverse cardiac events were reported. The cost of the electrocardiogram-based programme was £127,844, translating to £106 per athlete and £25,569 per major cardiac condition identified.Routine transthoracic echocardiography in 342 athletes identified two athletes with major cardiac conditions (bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortopathy and aortic regurgitation and an atrial septal defect associated with right ventricular volume overload) and 10 athletes with minor abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS An electrocardiogram-based national screening programme identified a major cardiac condition in 0.3% of athletes. Routine transthoracic echocardiography and periodic evaluation increased the diagnostic yield to 0.6%, at an incremental cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- H MacLachlan
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - H Dhutia
- Department of Cardiology, Glenfield Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - R Bhatia
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - K Boden
- England and Wales Cricket Board and National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine and National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
| | - K Forenc
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - J Basu
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - C Miles
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - R Osborne
- Cardiac Risk in the Young, United Kingdom
| | - N Chandra
- Department of Cardiology, Frimley Park Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - A Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - G Stuart
- National Institute of Health Research Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol Heart Institute, United Kingdom
| | - N Peirce
- England and Wales Cricket Board and National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine and National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
| | - S Sharma
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - M Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St Georges, University of London, United Kingdom.
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25
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Bryde R, Applewhite AI, Abu Dabrh AM, Taylor BJ, Heckman MG, Filmalter SE, Pujalte G, Rojas C, Heckman AJ, Brigham TJ, Prokop LJ, Shapiro BP. Cardiac structure and function in elite female athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15141. [PMID: 34894105 PMCID: PMC8665377 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize the best available evidence comparing cardiac biventricular structure and function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in elite female athletes and healthy controls (HC). Chronic exposure to exercise may induce cardiac chamber enlargement as a means to augment stroke volume, a condition known as the "athlete's heart." These changes have not been clearly characterized in female athletes. Multiple databases were searched from inception to June 18, 2019. Outcomes of interest included left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dimensional, volumetric, mass, and functional assessments in female athletes. Most values were indexed to body surface area. The final search yielded 22 studies, including 1000 female athletes from endurance, strength, and mixed athletic disciplines. CMR-derived LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) were greater in endurance athletes (EA) versus HC (17.0% and 18.5%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Similarly, TTE-derived LVEDV and RVEDV were greater in EA versus HC (16.8% and 28.0%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Both LVEF and RVEF were lower in EA versus HC, with the most pronounced difference observed in RVEF via TTE (9%) (p < 0.001). LV stroke volume was greater in EA versus HC via both CMR (18.5%) and TTE (13.2%) (both p < 0.05). Few studies reported data for the mixed athlete (MA) population and even fewer studies reported data for strength athletes (SA), therefore a limited analysis was performed on MA and no analysis was performed on SA. This evidence-synthesis review demonstrates the RV may be more susceptible to ventricular enlargement. General changes in LV and RV structure and function in female EA mirrored changes observed in male counterparts. Further studies are needed to determine if potential adverse outcomes occur secondary to these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Bryde
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseasesMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Abd Moain Abu Dabrh
- Department of Family MedicineMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of General Internal MedicineIntegrative Medicine and HealthMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Bryan J. Taylor
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseasesMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Sara E. Filmalter
- Department of Family MedicineMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of Sports MedicineDepartment of OrthopedicsMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - George Pujalte
- Department of Family MedicineMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of Sports MedicineDepartment of OrthopedicsMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Carlos Rojas
- Department of RadiologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Brian P. Shapiro
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseasesMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
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26
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Martinez MW, Kim JH, Shah AB, Phelan D, Emery MS, Wasfy MM, Fernandez AB, Bunch TJ, Dean P, Danielian A, Krishnan S, Baggish AL, Eijsvogels TMH, Chung EH, Levine BD. Exercise-Induced Cardiovascular Adaptations and Approach to Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 78:1453-1470. [PMID: 34593128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of the sports cardiologist has evolved into an essential component of the medical care of athletes. In addition to the improvement in health outcomes caused by reductions in cardiovascular risk, exercise results in adaptations in cardiovascular structure and function, termed exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. As diagnostic modalities have evolved over the last century, we have learned much about the healthy athletic adaptation that occurs with exercise. Sports cardiologists care for those with known or previously unknown cardiovascular conditions, distinguish findings on testing as physiological adaptation or pathological changes, and provide evidence-based and "best judgment" assessment of the risks of sports participation. We review the effects of exercise on the heart, the approach to common clinical scenarios in sports cardiology, and the importance of a patient/athlete-centered, shared decision-making approach in the care provided to athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Martinez
- Atlantic Health, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Jonathan H Kim
- Emory School of Medicine, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ankit B Shah
- Sports and Performance Cardiology Program, MedStar Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dermot Phelan
- Sports Cardiology Center, Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael S Emery
- Sports Cardiology Center, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Performance Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonio B Fernandez
- Hartford HealthCare Heart and Vascular Institute, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - T Jared Bunch
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Peter Dean
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Alfred Danielian
- Las Vegas Heart Associates-affiliated with Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Sheela Krishnan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Performance Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thijs M H Eijsvogels
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Physiology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eugene H Chung
- West MI Program, Cardiac EP Service, Sports Cardiology Clinic, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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27
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Palmisano A, Darvizeh F, Cundari G, Rovere G, Ferrandino G, Nicoletti V, Cilia F, De Vizio S, Palumbo R, Esposito A, Francone M. Advanced cardiac imaging in athlete's heart: unravelling the grey zone between physiologic adaptation and pathology. Radiol Med 2021; 126:1518-1531. [PMID: 34420142 PMCID: PMC8380417 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-021-01411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, interest toward athlete’s heart has progressively increased, leading to improve the knowledge on exercise-induced heart modifications. Sport may act as a trigger for life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with structural or electrical abnormalities, hence requiring to improve the diagnostic capability to differentiate physiological from pathological remodeling. Pathological alterations are often subtle at the initial stages; therefore, the challenge is to promptly identify athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death during the pre-participation screening protocols. Advanced imaging modalities such as coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can non-invasively depict coronary vessels and provide a deep morpho-functional and structural characterization of the myocardium, in order to rule out pathological life threatening alterations, which may overlap with athletes’ heart remodeling. The purpose of the present narrative review is to provide an overview of most frequent diagnostic challenges, defining the boundaries between athlete's heart remodeling and pathological structural alteration with a focus on the role and importance of CCTA and CMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palmisano
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Darvizeh
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cundari
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rovere
- Department of Radiological and Hematological Sciences -Section of Radiology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Nicoletti
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cilia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Vizio
- Department of Radiological and Hematological Sciences -Section of Radiology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Palumbo
- School of Radiology, Campus BioMedico Univerisity, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy. .,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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28
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Cardiac remodeling induced by exercise in Caucasian male master athletes: a cross-sectional study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 38:69-78. [PMID: 34357523 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To describe cardiac remodeling in a population of male master athletes evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and to analyse its relationship with several exercise-related characteristics. A total of 105 male master athletes aged ≥ 40 years old, mostly involved in endurance sports (81.0%) with a median training-volume of 66 [44; 103] METs/h/week, were studied. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were above the references in 84.8% and 75.8% athletes, decreasing in frequency when adjusted for BSA (26.3% and 23.2%). LV geometry was changed in more than half of the athletes (eccentric hypertrophy 28.3%, concentric remodelling 15.2% and concentric hypertrophy 8.1%) and several right ventricular (RV) dimensions were increased. Left atrium was dilated in 53.5% and right atrium in 37.4% athletes; only one athlete had a dilated aorta. Mean LV ejection fraction was 61 ± 7% and global longitudinal strain - 18.3 ± 2.0%. Changes in LV geometry were more common in high intensity sports; LV dilation in athletes exercising > 10 h/week and in high intensity sports; RV dilation in athletes exercising > 66 MET-hour/week and in endurance sports. In multivariate analysis high intensity sports remained an independent predictor of changes in LV geometry. A significant proportion of male master athletes showed altered echocardiographic parameters compared to the reference values, more pronounced in those involved in endurance sports, with high intensity and high volume of exercise. This may correspond to exercise-induced physiological adaptations, reinforcing the concept that the characteristics of exercise are major determinants of cardiac remodeling and should be considered during athletes' evaluation.
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29
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Martinez MW, Tucker AM, Bloom OJ, Green G, DiFiori JP, Solomon G, Phelan D, Kim JH, Meeuwisse W, Sills AK, Rowe D, Bogoch II, Smith PT, Baggish AL, Putukian M, Engel DJ. Prevalence of Inflammatory Heart Disease Among Professional Athletes With Prior COVID-19 Infection Who Received Systematic Return-to-Play Cardiac Screening. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:745-752. [PMID: 33662103 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.0565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance The major North American professional sports leagues were among the first to return to full-scale sport activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Given the unknown incidence of adverse cardiac sequelae after COVID-19 infection in athletes, these leagues implemented a conservative return-to-play (RTP) cardiac testing program aligned with American College of Cardiology recommendations for all athletes testing positive for COVID-19. Objective To assess the prevalence of detectable inflammatory heart disease in professional athletes with prior COVID-19 infection, using current RTP screening recommendations. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study reviewed RTP cardiac testing performed between May and October 2020 on professional athletes who had tested positive for COVID-19. The professional sports leagues (Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, National Football League, and the men's and women's National Basketball Association) implemented mandatory cardiac screening requirements for all players who had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to resumption of team-organized sports activities. Exposures Troponin testing, electrocardiography (ECG), and resting echocardiography were performed after a positive COVID-19 test result. Interleague, deidentified cardiac data were pooled for collective analysis. Those with abnormal screening test results were referred for additional testing, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and/or stress echocardiography. Main Outcomes and Measures The prevalence of abnormal RTP test results potentially representing COVID-19-associated cardiac injury, and results and outcomes of additional testing generated by the initial screening process. Results The study included 789 professional athletes (mean [SD] age, 25 [3] years; 777 men [98.5%]). A total of 460 athletes (58.3%) had prior symptomatic COVID-19 illness, and 329 (41.7%) were asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic (minimally symptomatic). Testing was performed a mean (SD) of 19 (17) days (range, 3-156 days) after a positive test result. Abnormal screening results were identified in 30 athletes (3.8%; troponin, 6 athletes [0.8%]; ECG, 10 athletes [1.3%]; echocardiography, 20 athletes [2.5%]), necessitating additional testing; 5 athletes (0.6%) ultimately had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings suggesting inflammatory heart disease (myocarditis, 3; pericarditis, 2) that resulted in restriction from play. No adverse cardiac events occurred in athletes who underwent cardiac screening and resumed professional sport participation. Conclusions and Relevance This study provides large-scale data assessing the prevalence of relevant COVID-19-associated cardiac pathology with implementation of current RTP screening recommendations. While long-term follow-up is ongoing, few cases of inflammatory heart disease have been detected, and a safe return to professional sports activity has thus far been achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Martinez
- Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, New Jersey.,National Basketball Players Association, New York, New York.,Major League Soccer, US.,National Football League General Medical Committee, US
| | - Andrew M Tucker
- National Football League General Medical Committee, US.,MedStar Sports Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Sports Medicine, Lutherville, Maryland
| | - O Josh Bloom
- Carolina Family Practice & Sports Medicine, Duke Private Diagnostic Clinic, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Gary Green
- Major League Baseball.,Division of Sports Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - John P DiFiori
- National Basketball Association, US.,Sports Medicine Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Gary Solomon
- National Football League, US.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Dermot Phelan
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan H Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Allen K Sills
- National Football League, US.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Isaac I Bogoch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul T Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | - David J Engel
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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30
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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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31
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Study of heart rate recovery and cardiovascular autonomic modulation in healthy participants after submaximal exercise. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3620. [PMID: 33574441 PMCID: PMC7878503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83071-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability (BPV), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) provide important information on cardiovascular autonomic control. However, little is known about the reorganization of HRV, BPV, and BRS after aerobic exercise. While there is a positive relationship between heart rate (HR) recovery rate and cardiorespiratory fitness, it is unclear whether there is a relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and reorganization of cardiovascular autonomic modulation during recovery. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether cardiorespiratory fitness influences the cardiovascular autonomic modulation recovery, after a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Sixty men were assigned into groups according to their cardiorespiratory fitness: low cardiorespiratory fitness (LCF = VO2: 22–38 mL kg−1 min−1), moderate (MCF = VO2: 38–48 mL kg−1 min−1), and high (HCF = VO2 > 48 mL kg−1 min−1). HRV (linear and non-linear analysis) and BPV (spectral analysis), and BRS (sequence method) were performed before and after a cardiopulmonary exercise test. The groups with higher cardiorespiratory fitness had lower baseline HR values and HR recovery time after the cardiopulmonary exercise test. On comparing rest and recovery periods, the spectral analysis of HRV showed a decrease in low-frequency (LF) oscillations in absolute units and high frequency (HF) in absolute and normalized units. It also showed increases in LF oscillations of blood pressure. Nonlinear analysis showed a reduction in approximate entropy (ApEn) and in Poincare Plot parameters (SD1 and SD2), accompanied by increases in detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) parameters α1 and α2. However, we did not find differences in cardiovascular autonomic modulation parameters and BRS in relation to cardiorespiratory fitness neither before nor after the cardiopulmonary test. We concluded that cardiorespiratory fitness does not affect cardiovascular autonomic modulations after cardiopulmonary exercise test, unlike HR recovery.
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32
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Augustine DX, Keteepe-Arachi T, Malhotra A. Coronavirus Disease 2019: Cardiac Complications and Considerations for Returning to Sports Participation. Eur Cardiol 2021; 16:e03. [PMID: 33708264 PMCID: PMC7941378 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2020.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. While the majority of symptoms and morbidity relate to the lung, cardiac complications have been well reported and confer increased mortality. Many countries in Europe have passed the peak of the pandemic and adaptations are being made as we progress towards a 'new normal'. As part of this, governments have been planning strategies for the return of elite sports. This article summarises the potential implications of COVID-19 for athletes returning to sport, including common cardiac complications of the disease; consensus recommendations for the return to sport after having COVID-19; and international recommendations for the management of cardiac pathology that may occur as a result of COVID-19. The authors also examine the potential overlap of pathology with physiological change seen in athletes' hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation TrustBath, UK
- Department for Health, University of BathBath, UK
| | | | - Aneil Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchester, UK
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33
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Phelan D, Kim JH, Elliott MD, Wasfy MM, Cremer P, Johri AM, Emery MS, Sengupta PP, Sharma S, Martinez MW, La Gerche A. Screening of Potential Cardiac Involvement in Competitive Athletes Recovering From COVID-19: An Expert Consensus Statement. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:2635-2652. [PMID: 33303102 PMCID: PMC7598679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As our understanding of the complications of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) evolve, subclinical cardiac pathology such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and right ventricular dysfunction in the absence of significant clinical symptoms represents a concern. The potential implications of these findings in athletes are significant given the concern that exercise, during the acute phase of viral myocarditis, may exacerbate myocardial injury and precipitate malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Such concerns have led to the development and publication of expert consensus documents aimed at providing guidance for the evaluation of athletes after contracting COVID-19 in order to permit safe return to play. Cardiac imaging is at the center of these evaluations. This review seeks to evaluate the current evidence regarding COVID-19-associated cardiovascular disease and how multimodality imaging may be useful in the screening and clinical evaluation of athletes with suspected cardiovascular complications of infection. Guidance is provided with diagnostic "red flags" that raise the suspicion of pathology. Specific emphasis is placed on the unique challenges posed in distinguishing athletic cardiac remodeling from subclinical cardiac disease. The strengths and limitations of different imaging modalities are discussed and an approach to return to play decision making for athletes post-COVID-19, as informed by multimodality imaging, is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dermot Phelan
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Jonathan H Kim
- Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael D Elliott
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Cremer
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amer M Johri
- Department of Medicine, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael S Emery
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Partho P Sengupta
- Heart and Vascular Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew W Martinez
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Clinical Research Domain, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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34
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Niederseer D, Rossi VA, Kissel C, Scherr J, Caselli S, Tanner FC, Bohm P, Schmied C. Role of echocardiography in screening and evaluation of athletes. Heart 2020; 107:heartjnl-2020-317996. [PMID: 33203709 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The term athlete's heart describes structural, functional and electrical adaptations of the cardiovascular system due to repetitive intense exercise. Physiological cardiac adaptations in athletes, however, may mimic features of cardiac diseases and therefore make it difficult to distinguish physiological adaptions from disease. Furthermore, regular exercise may also lead to pathological adaptions that can promote or worsen cardiac disease (eg, atrial dilation/atrial fibrillation, aortic dilation/aortic dissection and rhythm disorders). Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major concern in sports cardiology, and preparticipation screening (PPS) has demonstrated to be effective in identifying athletes at risk for SCD. In Europe, PPS is advocated to include personal and family history, physical examination and ECG, with further workup including echocardiography only if the initial screening investigations show abnormal findings. We review the current available evidence for echocardiography as a screening tool for conditions associated with SCD in recreational and professional athletes and advocate to include screening echocardiography to be performed at least twice in an athlete's career. We recommend that the first echocardiography is performed during adolescence to rule out structural heart conditions associated with SCD that cannot be detected by ECG, especially mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery anomalies, bicuspid aortic valve and dilatation of the aorta. A second echocardiography could be performed from the age of 30-35 years, when athletes age and become master athletes, to especially evaluate pathological cardiac remodelling to exercise (eg, atrial and/or right ventricular dilation), late onset cardiomyopathies and wall motion abnormalities due to myocarditis or coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Niederseer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Alice Rossi
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Kissel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Scherr
- University Center for Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Caselli
- Cardiovascular Center Zurich, Hirslanden, Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix C Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Bohm
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schmied
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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35
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Mehta A, Kondamudi N, Laukkanen JA, Wisloff U, Franklin BA, Arena R, Lavie CJ, Pandey A. Running away from cardiovascular disease at the right speed: The impact of aerobic physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiovascular disease risk and associated subclinical phenotypes. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:762-774. [PMID: 33189764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Higher levels of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with lower risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship of aerobic PA and CRF with risk of atherosclerotic CVD outcomes and heart failure (HF) seem to be distinct. Furthermore, recent studies have raised concerns of potential toxicity associated with extreme levels of aerobic exercise, with higher levels of coronary artery calcium and incident atrial fibrillation noted among individuals with very high PA levels. In contrast, the relationship between PA levels and measures of left ventricular structure and function and risk of HF is more linear. Thus, personalizing exercise levels to optimal doses may be key to achieving beneficial outcomes and preventing adverse CVD events among high risk individuals. In this report, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the associations of aerobic PA and CRF levels with risk of adverse CVD outcomes and the preceding subclinical cardiac phenotypes to better characterize the optimal exercise dose needed to favorably modify CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Mehta
- Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nitin Kondamudi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jari A Laukkanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Ulrik Wisloff
- K. G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Barry A Franklin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School - The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ambarish Pandey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Yaman B, Akpınar O, Kemal HS, Cerit L, Sezenöz B, Açıkgöz E, Duygu H. The beneficial effect of low-intensity exercise on cardiac performance assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Echocardiography 2020; 37:1989-1999. [PMID: 33070385 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular physical activity is associated with cardiovascular health; however, intensive exercise can have harmful effects on the heart. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a well-established diagnostic tool to evaluate subclinical myocardial dysfunction and has been widely used in athletes in recent years. This study is designed to evaluate whether low-intensity exercise has beneficial effects on myocardial performance. We aimed to evaluate systolic and diastolic functions of myocardium derived from STE in sports practitioners in a low-intensity exercise training program. METHOD Eighty-four sports practitioners and eighty-two sedentary healthy controls were prospectively included in our study. In addition to standard 2D echocardiographic measurements, left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS), right ventricular (RV) GLS, RV-free wall strain (FWS), left atrium (LA) strain, and strain rate were analyzed. RESULTS Mean LV GLS was significantly higher in sports practitioners compared with sedentary population (-19.21 ± 2.61% vs -18.37 ± 2.75%, P = .044). RV GLS was significantly higher in sports practitioners than sedentary population (-21.82 ± 4.86% vs -20.04 ± 4.62%, P = .016). Longitudinal strain and strain rate of LA conduit phase were significantly higher in sports practitioners than sedentary participants (-23.60 ± 6.83% vs -20.20 ± 6.64%, P = .001; -2.45 ± 0.81 L/s vs -2.10 ± 0.89 L/s, P = .010; respectively). Also, LA conduit phase strain/contraction phase strain and conduit phase strain rate/contraction phase strain rate ratios were higher in sports practitioners (1.88 ± 0.93 vs 1.48 ± 0.63, P = .001; 1.42 ± 0.65 vs 1.16 ± 0.53, P = .005; respectively). CONCLUSION The findings in the current study suggest that regular low-intensity exercise may have a beneficial effect on both systolic and diastolic functions of the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belma Yaman
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Onur Akpınar
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hatice S Kemal
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Levent Cerit
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Burak Sezenöz
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Eser Açıkgöz
- Department of Cardiology, Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hamza Duygu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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37
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(Statistically speaking, sports is healthy for your heart, but statistics can be tricky). COR ET VASA 2020. [DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Wundersitz DWT, Gordon BA, Lavie CJ, Nadurata V, Kingsley MIC. Impact of endurance exercise on the heart of cyclists: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:750-761. [PMID: 32663493 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare heart structure and function in endurance athletes relative to participants of other sports and non-athletic controls in units relative to body size. A secondary objective was to assess the association between endurance cycling and cardiac abnormalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, and SPORTdiscus) were searched from the earliest record to 14 December 2019 to identify studies investigating cardiovascular structure and function in cyclists. Of the 4865 unique articles identified, 70 met inclusion criteria and of these, 22 articles presented 10 cardiovascular parameters in units relative to body size for meta-analysis and five presented data relating to incidence of cardiac abnormalities. Qualitative analysis was performed on remaining data. The overall quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Odds ratios were calculated to compare the incidence of cardiac abnormality. RESULTS Heart structure was significantly larger in cyclists compared to non-athletic controls for left ventricular: mass; end-diastolic volume, interventricular septal diameter and internal diameter; posterior wall thickness, and end-systolic internal diameter. Compared to high static and high dynamic sports (e.g., kayaking and canoeing), low-to-moderate static and moderate-to-high dynamic sports (e.g., running and swimming) and moderate-to-high static and low-to-moderate dynamic sports (e.g., bodybuilding and wrestling), endurance cyclists end-diastolic left ventricular internal diameter was consistently larger (mean difference 1.2-3.2 mm/m2). Cardiac abnormalities were higher in cyclists compared to controls (odds ratio: 1.5, 95%CI 1.2-1.8), but the types of cardiac abnormalities in cyclists were not different to other athletes. CONCLUSION Endurance cycling is associated with a larger heart relative to body size and an increased incidence of cardiac abnormalities relative to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W T Wundersitz
- Holsworth Research Initiative, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Flora Hill, Australia.
| | - Brett A Gordon
- Holsworth Research Initiative, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Flora Hill, Australia
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School-The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Michael I C Kingsley
- Holsworth Research Initiative, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Flora Hill, Australia; Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Differentiating Athlete's Heart from Left Ventricle Cardiomyopathies. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2020; 13:265-273. [PMID: 32410209 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-020-10021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Imaging techniques have allowed knowing the structural adaptative changes observed in the hearts of highly trained athletes. Athletes can develop very marked structural changes and the need may rise for a differential diagnosis with real cardiomyopathy. In this chapter, authors review the physiologic and morphologic features associated with athletic training and the keys to differentiate normal adaptive athlete's heart from mild or initial expression forms of left-heart side cardiomyopathies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and left ventricle non-compaction (LVNC).
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Baggish AL, Battle RW, Beaver TA, Border WL, Douglas PS, Kramer CM, Martinez MW, Mercandetti JH, Phelan D, Singh TK, Weiner RB, Williamson E. Recommendations on the Use of Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging in Young Adult Competitive Athletes: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography in Collaboration with the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 33:523-549. [PMID: 32362332 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert W Battle
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - William L Border
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Dermot Phelan
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute in Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | | | - Rory B Weiner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Uy FMR, Lee PT, Foo JS, Le TT, Tan JL, Woon-Loong Chin C. TGA With Interarterial Course and Athletes Heart. JACC Case Rep 2020; 2:740-744. [PMID: 34317339 PMCID: PMC8301682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2020.03.013] [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: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of coronary artery compression and athlete's heart in a patient with a history of transposition of the great arteries. We present the diagnostic dilemmas and demonstrate the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cycle-ergometer stress cardiac magnetic resonance in the management of our patient. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)
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Millar LM, Fanton Z, Finocchiaro G, Sanchez-Fernandez G, Dhutia H, Malhotra A, Merghani A, Papadakis M, Behr ER, Bunce N, Oxborough D, Reed M, O'Driscoll J, Tome Esteban MT, D'Silva A, Carr-White G, Webb J, Sharma R, Sharma S. Differentiation between athlete’s heart and dilated cardiomyopathy in athletic individuals. Heart 2020; 106:1059-1065. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-316147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveDistinguishing early dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from physiological left ventricular (LV) dilatation with LV ejection fraction <55% in athletes (grey zone) is challenging. We evaluated the role of a cascade of investigations to differentiate these two entities.MethodsThirty-five asymptomatic active males with DCM, 25 male athletes in the ‘grey zone’ and 24 male athletes with normal LV ejection fraction underwent N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement, ECG and exercise echocardiography. Grey-zone athletes and patients with DCM underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and Holter monitoring.ResultsLarger LV cavity dimensions and lower LV ejection fraction were the only differences between grey-zone and control athletes. None of the grey-zone athletes had abnormal NT-proBNP, increased ectopic burden/complex arrhythmias or pathological late gadolinium enhancement on CMR. These features were also absent in 71%, 71% and 50% of patients with DCM, respectively. 95% of grey-zone athletes and 60% of patients with DCM had normal ECG. During exercise echocardiography, 96% grey-zone athletes increased LV ejection fraction by >11% from baseline to peak exercise compared with 23% of patients with DCM (p<0.0001). Peak LV ejection fraction was >63% in 92% grey-zone athletes compared with 17% patients with DCM (p<0.0001). Failure to increase LV ejection fraction >11% from baseline to peak exercise or achieve a peak LV ejection fraction >63% had sensitivity of 77% and 83%, respectively, and specificity of 96% and 92%, respectively, for predicting DCM.ConclusionComprehensive assessment using a cascade of routine investigations revealed that exercise stress echocardiography has the greatest discriminatory value in differentiating between grey-zone athletes and asymptomatic patients with DCM. Our findings require validation in larger studies.
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Christopoulos G, Barrett-O'Keefe Z, Chandrasekaran K. The Significance of "Contractile Reserve" in the Echocardiographic Assessment of Athletic Heart Syndrome. J Cardiovasc Echogr 2020; 30:33-34. [PMID: 32766104 PMCID: PMC7307621 DOI: 10.4103/jcecho.jcecho_48_19] [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: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical distinction between athlete's heart and structural heart disease in the echocardiography laboratory is often challenging. We present a case where athletic heart syndrome was promptly differentiated from pathology with a simple maneuver during echocardiography.
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Brown B, Millar L, Somauroo J, George K, Sharma S, La Gerche A, Forsythe L, Oxborough D. Left ventricular remodeling in elite and sub-elite road cyclists. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1132-1139. [PMID: 32187398 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Marked adaptation of left ventricular (LV) structure in endurance athletes is well established. However, previous investigations of functional and mechanical adaptation have been contradictory. A lack of clarity in subjects' athletic performance level may have contributed to these disparate findings. This study aimed to describe structural, functional, and mechanical characteristics of the cyclists' LV, based on clearly defined performance levels. Male elite cyclists (EC) (n = 69), sub-elite cyclists (SEC) (n = 30), and non-athletes (NA) (n = 46) were comparatively studied using conventional and speckle tracking 2D echocardiography. Dilated eccentric hypertrophy was common in EC (34.7%), but not SEC (3.3%). Chamber concentricity was higher in EC compared to SEC (7.11 ± 1.08 vs 5.85 ± 0.98 g/(mL)2/3 , P < .001). Ejection fraction (EF) was lower in EC compared to NA (57 ± 5% vs 59 ± 4%, P < .05), and reduced EF was observed in a greater proportion of EC (11.6%) compared to SEC (6.7%). Global circumferential strain (GCε) was greater in EC (-18.4 ± 2.4%) and SEC (-19.8 ± 2.7%) compared to NA (-17.2 ± 2.6%) (P < .05 and P < .001). Early diastolic filling was lower in EC compared with SEC (0.72 ± 0.14 vs 0.88 ± 0.12 cm/s, P < .001), as were septal E' (12 ± 2 vs 15 ± 2 cm/s, P < .001) and lateral E' (18 ± 4 vs 20 ± 4 cm/s, P < .05). The magnitude of LV structural adaptation was far greater in EC compared with SEC. Increased GCε may represent a compensatory mechanism to maintain stroke volume in the presence of increased chamber volume. Decreased E and E' velocities may be indicative of a considerable functional reserve in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Brown
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lynne Millar
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - John Somauroo
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Sports Cardiology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lynsey Forsythe
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Caruso MR, Garg L, Martinez MW. Cardiac Imaging in the Athlete: Shrinking the "Gray Zone". CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2020; 22:5. [PMID: 32016641 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-020-0802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review will explore frequently encountered diagnostic challenges and summarize the role cardiac imaging plays in defining the boundaries of what constitutes the athlete's heart syndrome versus pathology. RECENT FINDINGS Investigations have predominantly focused on differentiating the athlete's heart from potentially lethal pathological conditions that may produce a similar cardiac morphology. Guidelines have identified criteria for identifying definitive pathology, but difficulty arises when individuals fall in the gray zone of expected athletic remodeling and pathology. Transthoracic echo has traditionally been the imaging modality of choice utilizing parameters such as wall thickness, wall:volume ratio, and certain diastolic parameters. Newer echocardiogram techniques such as strain imaging and speckle tracking have potential additive utility but still need further investigation. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as an additive technique to help differentiate the phenotypic overlap between these groups. Utilizing gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping along with its excellent spatial resolution can help distinguish pathology from physiology. Both established and novel cardiac imaging modalities have been used for uncovering the at risk athletes with cardiomyopathies. The issue is of practical importance because athletes are frequently referred to the cardiologist with symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, presyncope, and/or syncope concerned about the safety of their future participation. Imaging is a key component of risk stratification and identifying normal findings of the developed athlete and those "at-risk" athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario R Caruso
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, 18103, USA
| | - Lohit Garg
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, 18103, USA
| | - Matthew W Martinez
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Atlantic Health, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ, 07960, USA. .,Sports Cardiology and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, 111 S Madison Ave, Suite 300, Morristown, NJ, 07960, USA.
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Skjølsvik ET, Hasselberg NE, Dejgaard LA, Lie ØH, Andersen K, Holm T, Edvardsen T, Haugaa KH. Exercise is Associated With Impaired Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients With Lamin A/C Genotype. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e012937. [PMID: 31957533 PMCID: PMC7033829 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.012937] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Lamin A/C cardiomyopathy is a malignant and highly penetrant inheritable cardiomyopathy. Competitive sports have been associated with adverse events in these patients, but data on recreational exercise are lacking. We aimed to explore associations between exercise exposure and disease severity in patients with lamin A/C genotype. Methods and Results Lamin A/C genotype positive patients answered a questionnaire on exercise habits from age 7 years until genetic diagnosis. We recorded exercise hours >3 metabolic equivalents and calculated cumulative lifetime exercise. Patients were grouped in active or sedate based on lifetime exercise hours above or below median. We performed echocardiography, 12‐lead ECG, Holter monitoring, and biomarkers including NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide). We defined left ventricular ejection fraction <45% as a clinically significant impairment of left ventricular function. We included 69 patients (age 42±14 years, 41% probands, 46% women) with median lifetime exercise 4160 (interquartile range 1041–6924) hours. Active patients were more frequently probands (53% versus 29%, P=0.04), had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (43±13% versus 51±11%, P=0.006), and higher NT‐proBNP (78 [interquartile range 32–219] pmol/L versus 30 [interquartile range 13–64] pmol/L, P=0.03) compared with sedate, while age did not differ (45±13 years versus 40±16 years, P=0.16). The decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction per tertile increment in lifetime exercise was 4% (95% CI −7% to −0.4%, P=0.03), adjusted for age and sex and accounting for dependence within families. Left ventricular ejection fraction <45% was observed at a younger age in active patients (log rank P=0.007). Conclusions Active lamin A/C patients had worse systolic function compared with sedate which occurred at younger age. Our findings may improve exercise recommendations in patients with lamin A/C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eystein T Skjølsvik
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Norway
| | - Nina E Hasselberg
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
| | - Lars A Dejgaard
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Norway
| | - Øyvind H Lie
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Norway
| | - Kjell Andersen
- Department of Medicine Section of Cardiology Innlandet Hospital Trust Hamar Norway
| | - Torbjørn Holm
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Norway
| | - Kristina H Haugaa
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Norway
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Pelliccia A, Caselli S, Sharma S, Basso C, Bax JJ, Corrado D, D'Andrea A, D'Ascenzi F, Di Paolo FM, Edvardsen T, Gati S, Galderisi M, Heidbuchel H, Nchimi A, Nieman K, Papadakis M, Pisicchio C, Schmied C, Popescu BA, Habib G, Grobbee D, Lancellotti P. European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) joint position statement: recommendations for the indication and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging in the evaluation of the athlete's heart. Eur Heart J 2019; 39:1949-1969. [PMID: 29029207 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Caselli
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Departmentt of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fernando M Di Paolo
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology, Center of Cardiologic Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Jessa Hospital, Hasselt University and Heart Center Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Koen Nieman
- Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cataldo Pisicchio
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Largo Piero Gabrielli, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Bogdan A Popescu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Carol Davila', Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gilbert Habib
- Department of Cardiology, Hôpital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Diederick Grobbee
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrizio Lancellotti
- Department of Cardiology, GIGA Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liège Hospital, Valvular Disease Clinic, Belgium
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