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Rossi C, Roklicer R, Drid P, Milovancev A, Trivic T, Scardina A, Carraro A, Bianco A. Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Male and Female Judo Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2024; 45:377-381. [PMID: 38401535 PMCID: PMC11065483 DOI: 10.1055/a-2252-1239] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Changes in cardiac geometry develop after intense and prolonged training. Left ventricular enlargement, increased relative wall thickness, and growing mass of the left ventricle occur after strenuous exercise. Combat sports such as judo can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. Previous studies have found that there are differences in left ventricular chamber size and thickness between the sexes, with female athletes having smaller wall diameters and less hypertrophy than male athletes. The research aims to examine heart muscle adaptations and remodeling of cardiac geometry among elite judo athletes and to evaluate differences between males and females. A cross-sectional study included a group of 19 (males n=10, females n=9) professional judokas between 20 and 30 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Cardiac geometry was determined by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. In terms of left ventricular mass and the left ventricular mass index significant differences were found between male and female judokas (233.44±68.75 g vs. 164.11±16.59 g, p=0.009), (105.16±24.89 vs. 84.66±15.06, p=0.044), respectively. A greater enlargement of the heart muscle is observed in male athletes compared to the female group. Left ventricle enlargement is likely to occur among elite-level judokas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Rossi
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement,
University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Research and Innovation, Centro Medico di Fisioterapia “Villa Sarina”,
91011 Alcamo, Trapani, Italy
| | - Roberto Roklicer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi
Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen–Bolzano, 39042
Brixen–Bressanone, Italy, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano,
Italy
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi
Sad, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Milovancev
- Internal medicine, cardiology, University of Novi Sad Medical Faculty,
Novi Sad, Serbia
- Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska
Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi
Sad, Serbia
| | - Antonino Scardina
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement,
University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Attilio Carraro
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen–Bolzano, 39042
Brixen–Bressanone, Italy, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano,
Italy
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement,
University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Malmgren A, Trägårdh E, Gudmundsson P, Kjellström B, Stagmo M, Dencker M. Electrocardiographic manifestations in female team handball players: analyzing ECG changes in athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1384483. [PMID: 38737439 PMCID: PMC11084279 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1384483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long-term intense training leads to structural, functional, and electrical remodeling of the heart. How different sports affect the heart has not been fully investigated, particularly for female athletes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphology of 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG) in elite female handball players compared to non-athlete female subjects. Potential changes will be explored to see if they could be explained by differences in cardiac dimensions and exercise hours. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of 33 elite female team handball players compared to 33 sex and age-matched, non-athletic controls (age range 18-26 years) was performed. All participants underwent a resting 12-lead ECG and an echocardiographic examination. ECG variables for left ventricular hypertrophy and durations were evaluated and adjusted for cardiac dimensions and exercise hours using ANCOVA analysis. A linear regression analysis was used to describe relation between echocardiographic and ECG measures and exercise hours. Results The female handball players had larger cardiac dimensions and significantly lower heart rate and QTc duration (Bazett's formula) as well as increased QRS and QT durations compared to controls. The 12-lead sum of voltage and the 12-lead sum of voltage ∗ QRS were significantly higher among handball players. Changes in ECG variables reflecting the left ventricle could in part be explained by left ventricular size and exercise hours. Correlation with exercise hours were moderately strong in most of the echocardiographic measures reflecting left ventricular (LV), left ventricular mass (LVM), left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) size. Poor to fair correlations were seen in the majority of ECG measures. Conclusions Female team handball players had altered ECGs, longer QRS and QT durations, higher 12-lead sum of voltage and 12-lead sum of voltage ∗ QRS as well as shorter QTc (Bazett's formula) duration compared to non-athletic controls. These findings could only partly be explained by differences in left ventricular size. Despite larger atrial size in the athletes, no differences in P-wave amplitude and duration were found on ECG. This suggest that both structural, and to some degree electrical remodeling, occur in the female team handball players' heart and highlight that a normal ECG does not rule out structural adaptations. The present study adds knowledge to the field of sports cardiology regarding how the heart in female team handball players adapts to this type of sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Malmgren
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - E. Trägårdh
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - P. Gudmundsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - B. Kjellström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Clinical Physiology and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - M. Stagmo
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - M. Dencker
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Forså MI, Smedsrud MK, Haugaa KH, Bjerring AW, Früh A, Sarvari SI, Landgraff HW, Hallén J, Edvardsen T. Distinguishing left ventricular hypertrophy from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in adolescents: a longitudinal observation study. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2024; 31:591-598. [PMID: 37992187 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Echocardiographic characteristics to distinguish physiological left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy from pathology are warranted in early adolescent athletes. This study aimed to explore the phenotype, progression, and potential grey zone of LV hypertrophy during adolescence in athletes and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) genotype-positive patients. METHODS AND RESULTS In this longitudinal observation study, we compared seventy-six 12-year-old athletes with 55 age-matched and sex-matched HCM genotype-positive patients. Echocardiographic parameters were evaluated by using paediatric reference values (Z-scores). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy genotype-positive patients were included if they had no or mild LV hypertrophy [maximum wall thickness <13 mm, Z-score <6 for interventricular septum diameter (ZIVSd), or posterior wall thickness]. We collected clinical data, including data on cardiac events. The mean follow-up-time was 3.2 ± 0.8 years. At baseline, LV hypertrophy was found in 28% of athletes and 21% of HCM genotype-positive patients (P = 0.42). Septum thickness values were similar (ZIVSd 1.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.0 ± 1.3, P = 0.08) and increased only in HCM genotype-positive patients {ZIVSd progression rate -0.17 [standard error (SE) 0.05], P = 0.002 vs. 0.30 [SE 0.10], P = 0.001}. Left ventricular volume Z-scores (ZLVEDV) were greater in athletes [ZLVEDV 1.0 ± 0.6 vs. -0.1 ± 0.8, P < 0.001; ZLVEDV progression rate -0.05 (SE 0.04), P = 0.21 vs. -0.06 (SE 0.04), P = 0.12]. Cardiac arrest occurred in two HCM genotype-positive patients (ages 13 and 14), with ZIVSd 8.2-11.5. CONCLUSION Left ventricular hypertrophy was found in a similar proportion in early adolescence but progressed only in HCM genotype-positive patients. A potential grey zone of LV hypertrophy ranged from a septum thickness Z-score of 2.0 to 3.3. Left ventricular volumes remained larger in athletes. Evaluating the progression of wall thickness and volume may help clinicians distinguish physiological LV hypertrophy from early HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne I Forså
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 9, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit K Smedsrud
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo NO-0424, Norway
| | - Kristina H Haugaa
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 9, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders W Bjerring
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 9, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Früh
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo NO-0424, Norway
| | - Sebastian I Sarvari
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege W Landgraff
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, PO Box 4012 Ullevål stadion, Oslo NO-0806, Norway
| | - Jostein Hallén
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, PO Box 4012 Ullevål stadion, Oslo NO-0806, Norway
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 9, 0372 Oslo, Norway
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Petrovic T, Djelic M, Zdravkovic M, Gavrilovic T, Atanasijevic N, Stojkovic O. Principal components analysis to evaluate complex association of polymorphisms in ACE and ACTN3 genes and the extent of cardiovascular adaptive changes in elite athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2024; 64:192-200. [PMID: 38093640 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.23.15299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Present article aims at clarifying the association of ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms with adaptive heart changes in elite athletes from power, endurance and mixed sport disciplines using the principal component analysis (PCA). METHODS Overall, 281 elite male athletes are divided into three groups: strength-type sports, endurance and mixed sports. After anthropometric measurements, physical and ultrasound examination of the heart, the athletes were exposed to a physical load test. All groups were analyzed for functional ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms. In order to convert a set of examined, possibly correlated adaptive cardiovascular changes into a set of values of linearly uncorrelated variables we used principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS The type of sport significantly affects not only the athlete's anthropometric characteristics, but also on the scope and specificity of the investigated adaptive cardiovascular changes. Athletes from the mixed group of sports showed the best working efficiency of the heart. PCA showed that the type of sport, but not genetic predisposition affects the co-adaptation of complex traits. CONCLUSIONS Effect of genotype, type of sport and their interaction on observed variability in morpho-functional cardiovascular adaptive changes in elite athletes can be used for a better understanding of the clinical phenomenon of athlete's heart and sudden cardiac death syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Petrovic
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia -
| | - Marina Djelic
- Institute of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Zdravkovic
- University Hospital Medical Center "Bezanijska Kosa", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nikola Atanasijevic
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Oliver Stojkovic
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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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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6
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Relating QRS voltages to left ventricular mass and body composition in elite endurance athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:547-559. [PMID: 36376599 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05080-5] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Electrocardiogram (ECG) QRS voltages correlate poorly with left ventricular mass (LVM). Body composition explains some of the QRS voltage variability. The relation between QRS voltages, LVM and body composition in endurance athletes is unknown. METHODS Elite endurance athletes from the Pro@Heart trial were evaluated with 12-lead ECG for Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon voltage and product. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging assessed LVM. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry assessed fat mass (FM) and lean mass of the trunk and whole body (LBM). The determinants of QRS voltages and LVM were identified by multivariable linear regression. Models combining ECG, demographics, DEXA and exercise capacity to predict LVM were developed. RESULTS In 122 athletes (19 years, 71.3% male) LVM was a determinant of the Sokolow-Lyon voltage and product (β = 0.334 and 0.477, p < 0.001) but not of the Cornell criteria. FM of the trunk (β = - 0.186 and - 0.180, p < 0.05) negatively influenced the Cornell voltage and product but not the Sokolow-Lyon criteria. DEXA marginally improved the prediction of LVM by ECG (r = 0.773 vs 0.510, p < 0.001; RMSE = 18.9 ± 13.8 vs 25.5 ± 18.7 g, p > 0.05) with LBM as the strongest predictor (β = 0.664, p < 0.001). DEXA did not improve the prediction of LVM by ECG and demographics combined and LVM was best predicted by including VO2max (r = 0.845, RMSE = 15.9 ± 11.6 g). CONCLUSION LVM correlates poorly with QRS voltages with adipose tissue as a minor determinant in elite endurance athletes. LBM is the strongest single predictor of LVM but only marginally improves LVM prediction beyond ECG variables. In endurance athletes, LVM is best predicted by combining ECG, demographics and VO2max.
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7
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McClean G, Wilson MG, Riding NR, Pieles G, Watt V, Adamuz C, Shaw A, Harkness A, Johnson A, George KP, Oxborough D. A New Tool to Aid the Differential Diagnosis of Physiological Remodelling from Cardiac Pathology When Assessing Left Ventricle, Left Atrial and Aortic Structure and Function in Male Arab and Black Paediatric Athletes. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10020037. [PMID: 36826533 PMCID: PMC9963999 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10020037] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine if published Z-scores for left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA) and aortic structure as well as indices of LV function (Doppler and TDI) in paediatric athletes and non-athletes are appropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. If inappropriate, we aim to provide new nomograms and Z-scores for clinical application. Methods: 417 (297 Arab, 120 black) male paediatric (11-18 years) athletes, were evaluated by 2D echocardiography as per British Society of Echocardiography recommendations, and biological age (by radiological X-ray) assessment. Z-scores were tested by residual and correlation analysis together with visual inspection. New Z-scores involved allometric (a*BSA(b+c*chronological age)) and second-order polynomial (y=a*chronological age2+b*chronological age+c) equations for measures of cardiac size and indices of LV function, respectively. Results: Residual linear regression, correlation analysis and visual inspection revealed published z-scores in white peri-pubertal footballers and paediatric non-athletes to be inappropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of LV, LA and aortic root size to be independent of BSA, ethnicity, chronological and biological age. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of function to be independent of chronological age. Conclusion: Our new z-scores may aid differential diagnosis of suspected pathology versus physiology remodelling, in cardiac screening of the Arab and black paediatric athlete. Nomograms are provided to assist the tracking of the paediatric athlete necessitating annual follow-up and Excel z-score calculation to facilitate use in day-to-day practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McClean
- Echocardiography Laboratory, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS, London EC1A 7BE, UK
- Echocardiography Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London NW1 2BU, UK
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Mathew G. Wilson
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London 1T 7HA, UK
| | - Nathan R. Riding
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London 1T 7HA, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK
| | - Guido Pieles
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London 1T 7HA, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol BS2 8ED, UK
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
| | - Victoria Watt
- Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
| | - Anthony Shaw
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
| | - Allan Harkness
- Colchester Hospital National Health Service Trust, Colchester CO4 5JL, UK
| | - Amanda Johnson
- Health Sciences Department, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Keith P. George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
- Correspondence:
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Falcioni L, Gallotta MC, Baldari C, Cardinali L, Campanella M, Ferrari D, Guidetti L, Meucci M. Influence of training status on cardiac and vascular functioning in young recreational and competitive male rowers. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1162594. [PMID: 37090920 PMCID: PMC10118033 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1162594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of training status on cardiovascular function in young male recreational and competitive rowers. Methods Ejection duration in percentage to the heart rate period (ED%), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), augmentation index at 75 bpm (AIx75) and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) of competitive rowers (CR) (age 17.6 ± 4.1 years), recreational rowers (RR) (age 16.7 ± 2.70 years) and athletes practicing other recreational sports (ORS) (age 15.3 ± 1.4 years) were assessed. Results ED% was lower in CR compared to ORS (31.9 ± 3.9% vs. 38.4 ± 4.8%; p = 0.026) and cf-PWV was higher in CR compared to ORS (5.5 ± 1.0 m/s vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.032). SEVR was higher in CR compared to RR and ORS (165.8 ± 33.7% vs. 127.4 ± 30.4% and 128.3 ± 27.8%; p = 0.022) and AIx75 was lower in CR compared to RR and ORS (-15.7 ± 8.6% vs. 1.2 ± 9.9% and 1.5 ± 9.1; p = 0.001). Discussion Healthy, young competitive male rowers reported higher myocardial performance and better cardiovascular health than recreational athletes. Interpretations of cf-PWV in competitive rowers should be performed alongside other cardiovascular indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Falcioni
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Gallotta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Baldari
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cardinali
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Campanella
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Dafne Ferrari
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Departement of Unicusano, Università Degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Guidetti
- Departement of Unicusano, Università Degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Meucci
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- Correspondence: Marco Meucci
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9
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Forså MI, Bjerring AW, Haugaa KH, Smedsrud MK, Sarvari SI, Landgraff HW, Hallén J, Edvardsen T. Young athlete's growing heart: sex differences in cardiac adaptation to exercise training during adolescence. Open Heart 2023; 10:openhrt-2022-002155. [PMID: 36596623 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Athlete's heart is a condition of exercise-induced cardiac remodelling. Adult male endurance athletes more often remodel beyond reference values. The impact of sex on remodelling through adolescence remains unclear. Paediatric reference values do not account for patient sex or exercise history. We aimed to study the effect of sex on cardiac remodelling throughout adolescence. METHODS We recruited 76 male (M) and female (F) 12-year-old cross-country skiers in a longitudinal cohort study. Echocardiography was performed and analysed according to guidelines at age 12 (48 M, 28 F), 15 (34 M, 14 F) and 18 (23 M, 11 F). Repeated echocardiographic measurements were analysed by linear mixed model regression. RESULTS Males displayed greater indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LV EDVi) from age 12 (M 81±7 vs F 76±7, mL/m², p≤0.01), and progressed further until follow-up at age 18 (M 2.3±9.7 vs F -3.9±4.5 ΔmL/m², p≤0.01). LV EDVi remained above adult upper reference values in both groups. Males increased LV Mass Index from age 12 to 18 (M 33±27 vs F 4±19, Δg/m², p≤0.01). Males displayed LV mass above paediatric reference values at ages 15 and 18. A subset of males (35%) and females (25%) displayed wall thickness above paediatric reference values at age 12. Cardiac function was normal. There was no sex difference in exercise hours. CONCLUSION Sex-related differences in athlete's heart were evident from age 12, and progressed throughout adolescence. Remodelling beyond reference values was more frequent than previously reported, particularly affecting males. Age, sex and exercise history may assist clinicians in distinguishing exercise-induced remodelling from pathology in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Inngjerdingen Forså
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders W Bjerring
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina H Haugaa
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Kristine Smedsrud
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sebastian I Sarvari
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege W Landgraff
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jostein Hallén
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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10
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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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11
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Yang WH, Park JH, Park SY, Park Y. Energetic Contributions Including Gender Differences and Metabolic Flexibility in the General Population and Athletes. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12100965. [PMID: 36295868 PMCID: PMC9612238 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic flexibility includes the ability to perform fat and carbohydrate oxidation, as well as oxidative capacity, which is associated with mitochondrial function, energetic contributions, and physical health and performance. During a session of graded incremental exercise testing (GIET), we investigated metabolic flexibility, the contributions of three energy systems, and performances of individuals with different metabolic characteristics. Fifteen general population (GP; n = 15, male n = 7, female n = 8) and 15 national-level half-marathon and triathlon athletes (A; n = 15, male n = 7, female n = 8) participated in this study. During GIET, heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V˙O2mean and V˙CO2mean), metabolic equivalents (METs) in V˙O2mean, and blood glucose and lactate concentrations (La−) were measured. Furthermore, jogging/running speeds (S) at specific La−, fat and carbohydrate oxidations (FATox and CHOox), and energetic contributions (oxidative; WOxi, glycolytic; WGly, and phosphagen; WPCr) were calculated. The percentages of HRmax, relative V˙O2mean, V˙CO2mean, and METs in V˙O2mean were all lower in A than they were in GP. FATox values were lower in GP than in A, while CHOox and La− were higher in GP than in A. Negative correlations between La− and FATox were also observed in both groups. Contributions of WOxi, WGly, and WPCr were higher in GP than in A during GIET. Moreover, values of WGly, and WPCr were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in male GP than in female GP. Furthermore, S at specific La− were higher in A than in GP. It is suggested that an individualized low-intensity recovery exercise program be established, to achieve increased metabolic flexibility and oxidative capacity (aerobic base), such as public health improvements and a greater volume of higher exercise intensities; this is the type of exercise that elite athletes worldwide mostly perform during their training period and progression. This may prevent cardiac/metabolic diseases in GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Hwi Yang
- Graduate School of Sports Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13503, Korea
- Department of Medicine, General Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13503, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-728-7917
| | - Jeong-Hyun Park
- Graduate School of Sports Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13503, Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Graduate School of Sports Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13503, Korea
| | - Yongdoo Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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12
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Weberruß H, Baumgartner L, Mühlbauer F, Shehu N, Oberhoffer-Fritz R. Training intensity influences left ventricular dimensions in young competitive athletes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:961979. [PMID: 36277759 PMCID: PMC9582149 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.961979] [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: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In young athletes, exercise causes changes in the heart that include growth in wall thickness and mass of the left ventricle and expansion of the heart’s chambers. The heart’s function is either preserved or enhanced, but this may change to the opposite over time. Objective This study aimed to assess structural and functional cardiac adaptations in relation to exercise training time, intensity, and performance in young competitive athletes. Methods A total of 404 children and adolescents (14.23 ± 2.0 years, 97 females) were enrolled in the Munich Cardiovascular Adaptations in Young Athletes Study (MuCAYA-Study). Eighty-five participants were examined two times a year. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess left ventricular structure and function. Training time and intensity was measured with the MoMo physical activity questionnaire, maximum aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and strength with the handgrip strength test. Results Maximum aerobic capacity significantly influenced interventricular septal thickness in diastole. Training intensity significantly influenced left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole, and left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area. Within one year, interventricular wall thickness, relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass, indexed to body surface area and height, increased significantly. Training intensity and aerobic capacity contributed to cardiac adaptations in young competitive athletes, as represented by altered structural parameters but preserved cardiac function. Within a year, however, structural changes and a decline in diastolic performance were observed within the longitudinal sub-sample. Conclusion Our results confirm the hypothesis that cardiac adaptations to exercise occur at a young age. Cardiac adaptation in our cohort was influenced by exercise intensity and maximum aerobic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Weberruß
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Heidi Weberruß,
| | - Lisa Baumgartner
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke Mühlbauer
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nerejda Shehu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany,Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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13
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Zaffalon D, Papatheodorou E, Merghani A, Dhutia H, Moccia E, Malhotra A, Miles CJ, Attard V, Homfray T, Sharma R, Gigli M, Ferro MD, Merlo M, Papadakis M, Sinagra G, Sharma S, Finocchiaro G. Role of the electrocardiogram in differentiating genetically determined dilated cardiomyopathy from athlete's heart. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13837. [PMID: 35849080 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiological cardiac remodelling in highly trained athletes may overlap with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in differentiating between physiological and pathological remodelling. METHODS The study population consisted of 30 patients with DCM who revealed a pathogenic variant at genetic testing and 30 elite athletes with significant cardiac remodelling defined by a left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter >62 mm and/or LV ejection fraction between 45% and 50%. RESULTS The ECG was abnormal in 22 (73%) patients with DCM. The most common abnormalities were low voltages (n = 14, 47%), lateral T-wave inversion (TWI) (n = 6, 20%), ventricular ectopic beats (n = 5, 17%) and anterior TWI (n = 4, 13). Two athletes revealed an abnormal ECG: complete left bundle branch block (LBBB) in one case and atrial flutter in the other. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the ECG in differentiating DCM from physiological adaptation to exercise in athletes was 73% (confidence interval [CI]: 54%-88%), 93% (CI: 78%-99%) and 0.83 (CI: 0.71-0.92) respectively. CONCLUSIONS While the ECG is usually normal in athletes exhibiting significant LV dilatation and/or systolic dysfunction, this test is often abnormal in patients with DCM harbouring a pathogenic variant. Low voltages in the limb leads and lateral TWI are the most common abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Zaffalon
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Giuliano-Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Ahmed Merghani
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Harshil Dhutia
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Eleonora Moccia
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Christopher J Miles
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Virginia Attard
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tessa Homfray
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rajan Sharma
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Marta Gigli
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Giuliano-Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Dal Ferro
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Giuliano-Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Merlo
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Giuliano-Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Cardiovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Giuliano-Isontina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiovascular clinical academic group, St George's, University of London, London, UK.,Royal Brompton Hospital (Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust), London, UK
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14
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Slankamenac J, Milovancev A, Klasnja A, Gavrilovic T, Sekulic D, Kesic MG, Trivic T, Kolarov V, Drid P. Echocardiographic Characterization of Left Heart Morphology and Function in Highly Trained Male Judo Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148842. [PMID: 35886693 PMCID: PMC9325159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The long-term practice of judo can lead to various changes in the heart including increased dimensions of the left ventricle in diastole and thickening of the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle. This study aimed to assess left ventricular morphology and function in elite male judokas. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted that included a total of 20 subjects, 10 judokas, and 10 healthy non-athletes aged 24 ± 2.85 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were analyzed. All subjects underwent a medical examination and a two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram. Different parameters of left ventricular morphology and function were measured and compared between athletes and non-athletes. Left ventricle mass and LV mass index were higher in judokas than in non-athletes (p < 0.05), as well as PW thickness (9.78 ± 0.89 mm vs. 8.95 ± 0.76 mm). A total of six (n = 6) of athletes had eccentric hypertrophy, while others had normal heart geometry. LVEDd, LVEDs, LVEDd/BSA, and LVEDs/BSA were significantly higher in judokas (p < 0.05). LVEDd in athletes ranged from 48 to 62 mm. These values, combined with normal diastolic function, ejection fraction, and shortening fraction, indicate that the judokas’ cardiac adaptation was physiological rather than pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Slankamenac
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (J.S.); (T.T.)
| | - Aleksandra Milovancev
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (A.M.); (A.K.); (V.K.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Klasnja
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (A.M.); (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Tamara Gavrilovic
- Serbian Institute of Sport and Sports Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Damir Sekulic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.S.); (M.G.K.)
| | - Marijana Geets Kesic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.S.); (M.G.K.)
| | - Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (J.S.); (T.T.)
| | - Violeta Kolarov
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (A.M.); (A.K.); (V.K.)
- Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (J.S.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Lin YK, Tsai KZ, Han CL, Lee JT, Lin GM. Athlete's Heart Assessed by Sit-Up Strength Exercises in Military Men and Women: The CHIEF Heart Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:737607. [PMID: 35155593 PMCID: PMC8826563 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.737607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Greater changes in cardiac structure and function in response to physical training have been observed more often in male athletes than in female athletes compared with their sedentary controls. However, studies for the sex-specific cardiac remodeling related to strength exercises in Asian athletes are rare. Methods This study included 580 men and 79 women, with an average age of 25 years, for a 6-month military training program in Taiwan. Both men and women attended a 2-min sit-up test to assess muscular strength after the training. The test performance falling one standard deviation above the mean (16%) was to define the superior eliteness of athletes. Cardiac structure and function were investigated by electrocardiography and echocardiography for men and women. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of elite athlete status. Results In men, greater QTc interval, left ventricular mass adjusted to body surface area (LVMI), lateral mitral E'/A' ratio and right ventricular systolic pressure, and lower diastolic blood pressure were independent predictors of elite strength athletes in the sit-up test [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.01 (1.00, 1.02), 1.02 (1.00, 1.04), 1.45 (1.06, 1.98), 1.13 (1.06, 1.23), and 0.96 (0.93, 0.99), respectively. In contrast, in women, the greater right ventricular outflow tract dimension was the only independent predictor of elite strength athletes in the sit-up test [OR: 1.26 (1.04, 1.53)]. Conclusions In the 2-min sit-up test, cardiac characteristics differ between elite male and female athletes. While greater QTc interval, LVMI, and diastolic function of left ventricle predict the eliteness of male strength athletes, greater right ventricular chamber size characterizes elite female strength athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien City, Taiwan.,Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Zhe Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien City, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lu Han
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Tay Lee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gen-Min Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien City, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Cavarretta E, Sciarra L, Biondi-Zoccai G, Maffessanti F, Nigro A, Sperandii F, Guerra E, Quaranta F, Fossati C, Peruzzi M, Pingitore A, Stasinopoulos DM, Rigby RA, Adorisio R, Saglietto A, Calò L, Frati G, Pigozzi F. Age-Related Electrocardiographic Characteristics of Male Junior Soccer Athletes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:784170. [PMID: 35187105 PMCID: PMC8850359 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.784170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Very limited data exist on normal age-related ECG variations in adolescents and no data have been published regarding the ECG anomalies induced by intensive training, which are relevant in pre-participation screening for sudden cardiac death prevention in the adolescent athletic population. The purpose of this study was to establish normal age-related electrocardiographic measurements (P wave duration, PR interval, QRS duration, QT, and QTc interval) grouped according to 2-year age intervals. Methods A total of 2,151 consecutive healthy adolescent Soccer athletes (trained for a mean of 7.2 ± 1.1 h per week, 100% male Caucasians, mean age 12.4 ± 1.4 years, range 7–18) underwent pre-participation screening, which included ECG and transthoracic echocardiography in a single referral center. Results Their heart rate progressively slowed as age increased (p < 0.001, ranging from 80.8 ± 13.2 to 59.5 ± 10.2 bpm), as expected. The P wave, PR interval, and QRS duration significantly increased in older age classes (p = 0.019, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively), and after Bonferroni's correction, the difference remained significant in all age classes for QRS duration. The QTc interval diminished progressively with increasing age (p = 0.003) while the QT interval increased progressively (p < 0.001). Conclusions Significant variations in the normal ECG characteristics of young athletes exist between different age groups related to increasing age and training burden, thus, age-specific reference values could be adopted, as already done for echocardiographic measurements, and may help to further discriminate potentially pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Cavarretta
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environment Sciences, L'Aquila University, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonia Nigro
- Villa Stuart Sport Clinic, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Sperandii
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Guerra
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Quaranta
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Peruzzi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Annachiara Pingitore
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | | | | | - Rachele Adorisio
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino” Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Leonardo Calò
- Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Fabio Pigozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
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17
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Rodriguez-López AM, Javier G, Carmen P, Esteban P, Luisa GC, Tomas F, Josefa HM, Luis F. Athlete Heart in Children and Young Athletes. Echocardiographic Findings in 331 Cases. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:407-412. [PMID: 34586455 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The changes of the athlete's heart are not well defined and characterized in children. We aimed to describe the morphological changes of the heart related to sport in young athletes. We evaluated a group of 331 young athletes under 18 years (mean 11.9 ± 3.2) who practice tennis: 58 (16.52%), football: 118 (33.62%), basketball: 16 (4.56%), athletics: 40 (11.4%), and swimming: 99 (28.21%). Type of sport, years of practice, and duration of the training were collected. All children underwent echocardiography with the following M-mode parameters: left atrium diameter (LAD), interventricular septum (IVS), and left ventricle posterior Wall (LVPW), diastolic diameter of the left ventricle (LVDD), and right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT). The major finding of our study was that 20% of the children had a Z score > 2 for the IVS and that increased to 30% for the children playing tennis or swimming. Also, other changes like LA and RVOT dilatation were observed in about 10 and 14% of the cases, respectively. Taken together, these figures indicate that cardiac remodeling is frequent in children. Further studies are needed to establish consensus-based criteria of athlete's heart in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Rodriguez-López
- Department of Cardiology, Hospiten Sur, Tenerife, Spain.
- Department of Cardiology, Hospiten Bellevue, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - González Javier
- Service of Sport Medicine Ayuntamiento del Puerto de la Cruz, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Padrón Carmen
- Department of Paediatric, Hospiten Sur, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | - Febles Tomas
- Department of Cardiology, Hospiten Sur, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Febles Luis
- Department of Cardiology, Hospiten Bellevue, Tenerife, Spain
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18
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Left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes, a case-control analysis of interindividual variability. Int J Cardiol 2021; 348:157-162. [PMID: 34896409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variability in cardiac remodeling is observed in athletes regardless of age, sex, body size and sport participated. We sought to investigate whether other individual characteristics could affect the extent of Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS From 2120 consecutive Olympic athletes, those with LVH (defined as LV Wall thickness ≥ 13 mm) were matched 1:1 by age, gender, body surface area and type of sport with non-LVH Athletes. Clinical and Echocardiographic variables were compared. RESULTS 48 athletes with LVH (2.3%) and 48 matched non-LVH athletes were identified. LVH Athletes had higher body weight (90 ± 18 vs 81 ± 11Kg; p = 0.006) body mass index (26 ± 2 vs 24 ± 2 Kg/m2; p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (15 ± 7% vs 12 ± 4%; p = 0.016) compared to non-LVH Athletes. They also had higher systolic (123 ± 1 vs 116 ± 11 mmHg; p = 0.002) and diastolic blood pressure (76 ± 8 vs 71 ± 9 mmHg; p = 0.002). On exercise testing, LVH Athletes reached a lower index workload (3.7 ± 0.9 vs 4.1 ± 0.8 W/Kg; p = 0.013) and a higher peak diastolic blood pressure (79 ± 10 vs 74 ± 11 mmHg; p = 0.012) than those without LVH. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.052; 95% CI from 1.011 to 1.130; p = 0.020) and BMI (OR 1.220; 95% CI from 1.016 to 1.465; p = 0.033) had the strongest association with LVH as categorical variable. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that increased blood pressure at rest and during exercise, together with larger body weight, body mass and fat percentage are associated with a higher degree of LVH, which is not associated with a greater physical performance and therefore possibly disproportionate to the sport activity.
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19
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Pambo P, Adu-Adadey M, Agbodzakey H, Scharhag J. Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Findings in Elite Ghanaian Male Soccer Players. Clin J Sport Med 2021; 31:e373-e379. [PMID: 31876793 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the athlete's heart of adult and adolescent elite male soccer players by electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) and to describe typical ECG and ECHO findings in this cohort (West African elite soccer players). DESIGN A cross-sectional study of ECGs and ECHOs conducted as part of precompetition medical assessment for national male soccer teams preparing for various Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) tournaments in 2016 and 2017. SETTING Ghana National Football Association. PARTICIPANTS One hundred fifty-nine players playing for the National male soccer teams preparing for tournaments in 2016 and 2017. INTERVENTIONS Precompetition medical assessment using ECGs and ECHOs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of athletes with abnormal ECGs and ECHO findings. RESULTS Twenty-three percent of the players had abnormal ECGs. Nine percent of the participants had T-wave inversions in lateral leads (V5-V6). Sokolow-Lyon criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy were present in 64% of participants. Thirty-six (23%) players had left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) ≥13 mm, with no player exceeding 16 mm. Four percent of players had left ventricular cavity dimension greater than 60 mm. Relative wall thickness >0.42 was present in 44% of the players. CONCLUSIONS Uncommon ECG changes seem to be more common in elite Ghanaian soccer players compared with previously reported results for Caucasians and even mixed populations of black athletes. Although ST elevation, T-wave inversions, and LVWT up to 15 mm are common, ST depression, deep T-waves in lateral leads, and LVWT ≥16 mm always warrant further clinical and scientific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Pambo
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Civil Service/Stadium Clinic, School of Allied Sciences, Ghana Health Service
- Sports Medicine Department, Institute for Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Martin Adu-Adadey
- National Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana ; and
| | - Hope Agbodzakey
- Civil Service/Stadium Clinic, School of Allied Sciences, Ghana Health Service
| | - Jürgen Scharhag
- Sports Medicine Department, Institute for Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
- Department of Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Prevention, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Benefits and limitations of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic screening in top level endurance athletes. Biol Sport 2021; 38:71-79. [PMID: 33795916 PMCID: PMC7996387 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2020.97670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The study was designed to assess the usefulness of routine electrocardiography (ECG) as well as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in screening top level endurance athletes. An additional goal was to attempt to identify factors determining occurrence of adaptive and abnormal changes in ECG and TTE. The retrospective analysis included basic medical data, ECG and TTE results of 262 athletes (123 rowers, 32 canoeists and 107 cyclists), members of the Polish National Team. The athletes were divided into two age groups: young (≤ 18 years; n = 177) and elite (> 18 years; n = 85). ECG and TTE measurements were analysed according to the International Recommendations from 2017 and 2015, respectively. Adaptive ECG changes were found in 165 (63%) athletes. Abnormal ECG changes were identified in 10 (3.8%) athletes. 98% of athletes exceeded TTE norms for the general population and 26% exceeded norms for athletes. The occurrence of both adaptive ECG findings and abnormalities in the TTE (in norms for athletes) was strongly associated with the years of training, hours of training per week and the age of the athlete. Male gender and the years of training were independent predictors of the ECG and TTE findings. Abnormal ECG changes were not related to the time of sport. Among 10 athletes with ECG changes, only 3 had changes in TTE and no relationship was found between abnormal finding in ECG and TTE (p = 0.45). ECG and TTE screening complement each other in identifying endurance athletes requiring treatment or verification. Unlike abnormal ECG changes, adaptive ECG changes and TTE abnormalities are strongly related to the training duration, which reflects physiological adaptation of the heart to physical exertion in high endurance athletes.
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21
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Kiflom S, Enyew D, Ayalew A, Hailu A, Gebretensay M, Gebrehawerya G. Effect of aerobic exercise on physiological and left ventricular echocardiographic characteristics of non-athletic adult males in Northern Ethiopia. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021; 62:288-295. [PMID: 34275258 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.21.11951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular aerobic exercise can induce alterations in structural and hemodynamic physiology of the heart in both athletic and nonathletic populations. This is because due to cardiac adaptation to exercise improves cardiac workout capacity by increasing left ventricular function. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure and left ventricular structural and myocardial function in Ethiopian non-athletic males. METHODS Twenty male adults (aged 19-23 years) were recruited and they were engaged in aerobic exercise training for 3 months (3days/week, 50-75%MHR). Selected participants underwent standard transthoracic doppler echocardiographic examinations before and after intervention of the exercise training. Collected data were analyzed through Paired Sample T test using IBM SPSS version 21 statistical software with significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS Finding of the study indicated that significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed after exercise training (p<0.05). Improvement was recorded in PWT (7.4±0.94mm vs 7.95±0.61mm, p=0.017) and IVST (7.95±0.83mm vs 8.25±0.72mm, p=0.030) while significant reduction was recorded in LVIDS (33.85±0.99mm vs 32.45±2.04mm, p=0.002). Aerobic exercises also induced significant improvement on left ventricular myocardial function parameters (p<0.05) in end diastolic volume (95.8±8.4ml vs 100.45±11.42ml), stroke volume (52.55±7.12ml vs 58.15±11.18ml) and ejection fraction (54.73±4.11 vs 57.53±6.2). However, exercise didn't stimulate significant change in the internal diameter at end diastole (0.086), end systolic volume (p=0.173) and cardiac output (p=0.13). CONCLUSIONS Aerobic exercise induces structural and myocardial physiological changes within the left ventricle in Ethiopian non-athletic young adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saymon Kiflom
- Department of Sports Science, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia -
| | - Desta Enyew
- Department of Sports Science, Sports Science Academy, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia
| | - Abinet Ayalew
- Department of Sports Science, Sports Science Academy, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia
| | - Abraha Hailu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.,Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiology Unit, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Mulay Gebretensay
- Department of Sports Science, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Guesh Gebrehawerya
- Department of Sports Science, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
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22
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Erickson CC, Salerno JC, Berger S, Campbell R, Cannon B, Christiansen J, Moffatt K, Pflaumer A, Snyder CS, Srinivasan C, Valdes SO, Vetter VL, Zimmerman F. Sudden Death in the Young: Information for the Primary Care Provider. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-052044. [PMID: 34155130 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple conditions that can make children prone to having a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD). Efforts have been made by multiple organizations to screen children for cardiac conditions, but the emphasis has been on screening before athletic competition. This article is an update of the previous American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement of 2012 that addresses prevention of SCA and SCD. This update includes a comprehensive review of conditions that should prompt more attention and cardiology evaluation. The role of the primary care provider is of paramount importance in the evaluation of children, particularly as they enter middle school or junior high. There is discussion about whether screening should find any cardiac condition or just those that are associated with SCA and SCD. This update reviews the 4 main screening questions that are recommended, not just for athletes, but for all children. There is also discussion about how to handle post-SCA and SCD situations as well as discussion about genetic testing. It is the goal of this policy statement update to provide the primary care provider more assistance in how to screen for life-threatening conditions, regardless of athletic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Erickson
- Children's Specialty Physicians, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska .,Creighton University Medical Center, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jack C Salerno
- Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stuart Berger
- Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert Campbell
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center and School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - James Christiansen
- Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kody Moffatt
- Children's Specialty Physicians, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andreas Pflaumer
- The Royal Children's Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher S Snyder
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chandra Srinivasan
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas and The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Santiago O Valdes
- Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Victoria L Vetter
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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23
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Lander BS, Phelan DM, Martinez MW, Dineen EH. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Updates Through the Lens of Sports Cardiology. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2021; 23:53. [PMID: 34054288 PMCID: PMC8144867 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-021-00934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review This review will summarize the distinction between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR), describe treatments of particular relevance to athletes with HCM, and highlight the evolution of recommendations for exercise and competitive sport participation relevant to individuals with HCM. Recent findings Whereas prior guidelines have excluded individuals with HCM from more than mild-intensity exercise, recent data show that moderate-intensity exercise improves functional capacity and indices of cardiac function and continuation of competitive sports may not be associated with worse outcomes. Moreover, recent studies of athletes with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) demonstrated a safer profile than previously understood. In this context, the updated American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) HCM guidelines have increased focus on shared decision-making and liberalized restrictions on exercise and sport participation among individuals with HCM. Summary New data demonstrating the safety of exercise in individuals with HCM and in athletes with ICDs, in addition to a focus on shared decision-making, have led to the most updated guidelines easing restrictions on exercise and competitive athletics in this population. Further athlete-specific studies of HCM, especially in the context of emerging therapies such as mavacamten, are important to inform accurate risk stratification and eligibility recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S Lander
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Dermot M Phelan
- Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28203 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
| | - Elizabeth H Dineen
- Division of Cardiology, University of California Irvine, 333 City Blvd W, Suite 400, Orange, CA 92868 USA
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24
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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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25
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Baumgartner L, Weberruß H, Appel K, Engl T, Goeder D, Oberhoffer-Fritz R, Schulz T. Improved Carotid Elasticity but Altered Central Hemodynamics and Carotid Structure in Young Athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:633873. [PMID: 33791599 PMCID: PMC8005716 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.633873] [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: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Young athletes most often exceed the physical activity recommendations of the World Health Organization. Therefore, they are of special interest for investigating cardiovascular adaptions to exercise. This study aimed to examine the arterial structure and function of young athletes 12-17 years old and compare these parameters to reference values of healthy cohorts. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid diameter, cIMT÷carotid diameter-ratio (cIDR), arterial compliance (AC), elastic modulus (Ep), β stiffness index (β), and carotid pulse wave velocity (PWVβ) were determined using ultrasound in 331 young athletes (77 girls; mean age, 14.6 ± 1.30 years). Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and aortic PWV (aPWV) were measured using the oscillometric device Mobil-O-Graph. Standard deviation scores (SDS) of all parameters were calculated according to German reference values. The 75th and 90th percentiles were defined as the threshold for elevated cIMT and arterial stiffness, respectively. Activity behavior was assessed with the MoMo physical activity questionnaire, and maximum power output with a standard cardiopulmonary exercise test. One-sample t-tests were performed to investigate the significant deviations in SDS values compared to the value "0". All subjects participated in competitive sports for at least 6 h per week (565.6 ± 206.0 min/week). Of the 331 young athletes, 135 (40.2%) had cIMT >75th percentile, 71 (21.5%) had cSBP >90th percentile, and 94 (28.4%) had aPWV>90th percentile. We observed higher cIMT SDS (p < 0.001), cIDR SDS (p = 0.009), and AC SDS (p < 0.001) but lower β SDS (p < 0.001), Ep SDS (p < 0.001), and PWVβ SDS (p < 0.001) compared to the reference cohort. The cSBP SDS (p < 0.001) and aPWV SDS (p < 0.001) were elevated. In conclusion, cIMT and cIDR were higher in young athletes than in a reference cohort. Furthermore, young athletes presented better carotid elasticity and lower arterial stiffness of the carotid artery. However, central arterial stiffness was higher compared to the reference cohort. The thickening of the carotid intima-media complex in combination with a reduction in arterial stiffness indicates a physiological adaptation to exercise in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Baumgartner
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidi Weberruß
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Appel
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Goeder
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schulz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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26
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Scheer V, Costa RJS, Doutreleau S, Knechtle B, Nikolaidis PT, Roberts WO, Stoll O, S Tenforde A, Krabak B. Recommendations on Youth Participation in Ultra-Endurance Running Events: A Consensus Statement. Sports Med 2021; 51:1123-1135. [PMID: 33704697 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01441-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Participation in ultra-endurance running (UER) events continues to grow across ages, including youth athletes. The 50- and 100-km are the most popular distances among youth athletes. Most youth athletes are between 16-18 years; however, some runners younger than 12 years have successfully completed UER events. Parents, athletes, coaches, race directors, and medical professionals often seek advice regarding the safety of youth athletes participating in these events, especially with regard to potential short and long-term health consequences. UER may impact key organ systems during growth and development. We propose a decision-making process, based on current knowledge and the experience of the consensus group that addresses age regulations, medical and psychological well-being, training status and race-specific factors (such as distance, elevation change, remoteness, ambient temperatures, level of medical assistance, and type of provisions provided by the race organizers) to use until evidence of long-term consequences of UER in youth athletes is available. These recommendations are aimed at safe participation in UER events for youth athletes with a proper and individualized assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, 109 Boulevard de l'Europe, 69310, Pierre-Benite, France. .,Health Science Department, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo J S Costa
- Department of Nutrition Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Beat Knechtle
- Medbase St. Gallen am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - William O Roberts
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Oliver Stoll
- Institute of Sport Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Adam S Tenforde
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Brian Krabak
- University of Washington and Seattle Children's Sports Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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27
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Churchill TW, Petek BJ, Wasfy MM, Guseh JS, Weiner RB, Singh TK, Schmied C, O'Malley H, Chiampas G, Baggish AL. Cardiac Structure and Function in Elite Female and Male Soccer Players. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:316-325. [PMID: 33263734 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2020.6088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Importance Population-specific normative data are essential for the evaluation of competitive athletes. At present, there are limited data defining normal electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic values among elite US soccer players. Objective To describe ECG and echocardiographic findings in healthy elite US soccer players. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study analyzed Fédération Internationale de Football Association-mandated screening sessions performed at US Soccer National Team training locations from January 2015 to December 2019. US women's and men's national team soccer players undergoing mandated cardiovascular screening were included. Main Outcomes and Measures Normal training-related and abnormal ECG findings were reported using the International Recommendations for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. Echocardiographic measurements of structural and functional parameters relevant to cardiovascular remodeling were assessed relative to American Society of Echocardiography guideline-defined normal ranges. Results A total of 238 athletes (122 [51%] female; mean [SD] age, 20 [4] years; age range, 15-40 years) were included. Male athletes demonstrated a higher prevalence of normal training-related ECG findings, while female athletes were more likely to have abnormal ECG patterns (14 [11%] vs 0 in male cohort), largely accounted for by abnormal T-wave inversions. Echocardiography revealed no pathologic findings meeting criteria for sport restriction, but athletes frequently exceeded normal ranges for structural cardiac parameters responsive to exercise-induced remodeling including body surface area-indexed left ventricular (LV) mass (58 of 113 female athletes [51%] and 67 of 114 male athletes [59%]), indexed LV volume (89 of 115 female athletes [77%] and 76 of 111 male athletes [68%]), and LV wall thickness (37 of 122 female athletes [30%] and 47 of 116 male athletes [41%]). Age-stratified analysis revealed age-dependent increases in LV wall thickness, mass, and volumes among female athletes and LV wall thickness and mass among male athletes. Conclusions and Relevance These data represent the first set of comprehensive normative values for elite US soccer players and one of the largest sport-specific echocardiographic remodeling studies in female athletes. Abnormal ECG findings were more common in female athletes, while both female and male athletes frequently exceeded clinical normality cut points for remodeling-associated echocardiographic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Churchill
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Bradley J Petek
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - James S Guseh
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Rory B Weiner
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | | | | | - George Chiampas
- United States Soccer Federation, Chicago, Illinois.,Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,United States Soccer Federation, Chicago, Illinois
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28
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Churchill TW, Groezinger E, Kim JH, Loomer G, Guseh JS, Wasfy MM, Isselbacher EM, Lewis GD, Weiner RB, Schmied C, Baggish AL. Association of Ascending Aortic Dilatation and Long-term Endurance Exercise Among Older Masters-Level Athletes. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 5:522-531. [PMID: 32101252 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2020.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Importance Aortic dilatation is frequently encountered in clinical practice among aging endurance athletes, but the distribution of aortic sizes in this population is unknown. It is additionally uncertain whether this may represent aortic adaptation to long-term exercise, similar to the well-established process of ventricular remodeling. Objective To assess the prevalence of aortic dilatation among long-term masters-level male and female athletes with about 2 decades of exercise exposure. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study evaluated aortic size in veteran endurance athletes. Masters-level rowers and runners aged 50 to 75 years were enrolled from competitive athletic events across the United States from February to October 2018. Analysis began January 2019. Exposures Long-term endurance exercise. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was aortic size at the sinuses of Valsalva and the ascending aorta, measured using transthoracic echocardiography in accordance with contemporary guidelines. Aortic dimensions were compared with age, sex, and body size-adjusted predictions from published nomograms, and z scores were calculated where applicable. Results Among 442 athletes (mean [SD] age, 61 [6] years; 267 men [60%]; 228 rowers [52%]; 214 runners [48%]), clinically relevant aortic dilatation, defined by a diameter at sinuses of Valsalva or ascending aorta of 40 mm or larger, was found in 21% (n = 94) of all participants (83 men [31%] and 11 women [6%]). When compared with published nomograms, the distribution of measured aortic size displayed a rightward shift with a rightward tail (all P < .001). Overall, 105 individuals (24%) had at least 1 z score of 2 or more, indicating an aortic measurement greater than 2 SDs above the population mean. In multivariate models adjusting for age, sex, body size, hypertension, and statin use, both elite competitor status (rowing participation in world championships or Olympics or marathon time under 2 hours and 45 minutes) and sport type (rowing) were independently associated with aortic size. Conclusions and Relevance Clinically relevant aortic dilatation is common among aging endurance athletes, raising the possibility of vascular remodeling in response to long-term exercise. Longitudinal follow-up is warranted to establish corollary clinical outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Churchill
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Erich Groezinger
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jonathan H Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Garrett Loomer
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - J Sawalla Guseh
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Eric M Isselbacher
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Thoracic Aortic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Gregory D Lewis
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Rory B Weiner
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Echocardiography Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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29
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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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30
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31
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Characterisation of LV myocardial exercise function by 2-D strain deformation imaging in elite adolescent footballers. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 121:239-250. [PMID: 33030575 PMCID: PMC7815563 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04510-6] [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: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Few data exist on the descriptions of LV myocardial mechanics and reserve during dynamic exercise of adolescent athletes. The aim of this study was to describe the LV myocardial and cardiopulmonary changes during exercise using 2-D strain deformation imaging. Methods Elite adolescent male football players (n = 42) completed simultaneous cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and exercise echocardiography measurement of LV myocardial deformation by 2-D strain imaging. LV longitudinal and circumferential 2-D strain and strain rates were analyzed at each stage during incremental exercise to a work rate of 150 W. Additionally, exercise LV myocardial deformation and its relation to metabolic exercise parameters were evaluated at each exercise stage and in recovery using repeated measures ANOVA, linear regression and paired t tests. Results LV peak systolic baseline 2-D strain (longitudinal: − 15.4 ± 2.5%, circumferential: − 22.5 ± 3.1%) increased with each exercise stage, but longitudinal strain plateaued at 50 W (mean strain reserve − 7.8 ± 3.0) and did not significantly increase compared to subsequent exercise stages (P > 0.05), whilst circumferential strain (mean strain reserve − 11.6 ± 3.3) significantly increased (P < 0.05) throughout exercise up to 150 W as the dominant mechanism of exercise LV contractility increase. Regression analyses showed LV myocardial strain increased linearly relative to HR, VO2 and O2 pulse (P < 0.05) for circumferential deformation, but showed attenuation for longitudinal deformation. Conclusion This study describes LV myocardial deformation dynamics by 2-D strain and provides reference values for LV myocardial strain and strain rate during exercise in adolescent footballers. It found important differences between LV longitudinal and circumferential myocardial mechanics during exercise and introduces a methodology that can be used to quantify LV function and cardiac reserve during exercise in adolescent athletes.
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Abstract
In the absence of contemporary, population-based epidemiological studies, estimates of the incidence and prevalence of the inherited cardiomyopathies have been derived from screening studies, most often of young adult populations, to assess cardiovascular risk or to detect the presence of disease in athletes or military recruits. The global estimates for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (1/500 individuals), dilated cardiomyopathy (1/250) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (1/5,000) are probably conservative given that only individuals who fulfil diagnostic criteria would have been included. This caveat is highly relevant because a substantial minority or even a majority of individuals who carry disease-causing genetic variants and are at risk of disease complications have incomplete and/or late-onset disease expression. The genetic literature on cardiomyopathy, which is often focused on the identification of genetic variants, has been biased in favour of pedigrees with higher penetrance. In clinical practice, an abnormal electrocardiogram with normal or non-diagnostic imaging results is a common finding for the sarcomere variants that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the titin and sarcomere variants that cause dilated cardiomyopathy and the desmosomal variants that cause either arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, defining the genetic epidemiology is also challenging given the overlapping phenotypes, incomplete and age-related expression, and highly variable penetrance even within individual families carrying the same genetic variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J McKenna
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK. .,Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Daniel P Judge
- Section of Advanced HF & Transplant Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Fathi M, Gharakhanlou R, Rezaei R. The Changes of Heart miR-1 and miR-133 Expressions following Physiological Hypertrophy Due to Endurance Training. CELL JOURNAL 2020; 22:133-140. [PMID: 32779443 PMCID: PMC7481891 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.7014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the development of the heart. Recent studies have shown that miR-
1 and miR-133 are key regulators of cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an endurance
training (ET) program on the expressions of these miRNAs and their transcriptional network.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, cardiac hypertrophy was induced by 14 weeks of ET for 1 hour per
day, 6 days per week at 75% VO2 max). The rats (221 ± 23 g) in the experimental (n=7) and control (n=7) groups were
anesthetized to evaluate heart morphology changes by echocardiography. Next, we evaluated expressions of miR-1
and miR-133, and heart and neural crest derivatives express 2 (Hand2), Mef2c, histone deacetylase 4 (Hdac4) and
serum response factor (Srf) gene expressions by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, the collected data
were evaluated by the independent t test to determine differences between the groups
Results The echocardiography result confirmed physiological hypertrophy in the experimental group that underwent ET as
shown by the increased left ventricular weight/body surface area (LVW/BSA) (P=0.004), LVW/body weight (BW) (P=0.011),
left ventricular diameter end-diastolic (LVDd) (P=0.003), and improvements in heart functional indexes such as fractional
shortness (FS) (P=0.036) and stroke volume (SV) (P=0.002). There were significant increases in the expressions of miR-1
(P=0.001) and miR-133 (P=0.004). The expressions of Srf, Hdac4, and Hand2 genes significantly increased (P<0.001) in the
experimental group Compared with the control group. The expression of Mef2c did not significantly change.
Conclusion The expressions of miR-1 and miR-133 and their target genes appeared to be involved in physiological
hypertrophy induced by ET in these rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Fathi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Electronic Address:
| | - Reza Gharakhanlou
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities Sciences, Tarbiyat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Rezaei
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Left ventricular mass normalization in child and adolescent athletes must account for sex differences. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236632. [PMID: 32716972 PMCID: PMC7384656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236632] [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: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess left ventricular hypertrophy, actual left ventricular mass (LVM) normalized for body size has to be compared to the LVM normative data. However, only some published normative echocardiographic data have been produced separately for girls and boys; numerous normative data for the pediatric population are not sex-specific. Thus, this study aimed to assess whether the LVM normative data should be developed separately for girls and boys practicing sports. Methods Left ventricular mass was computed for 331 girls and 490 boys, 5–19 years old, based on echocardiography. The effect of sex on the relationship between LVM and body size was evaluated using a linear regression model. Seven sets of the LVM normative data were developed, using different methodologies, to test concordance between sex-specific and non-specific normative data. Every set consisted of normative data that was sex-specific and non-specific. Upon these normative data, for every study participant, seven pairs of LVM z-scores were calculated based on her/his actual LVM. Each pair consisted of z-scores computed based on sex-specific and non-specific normative data from the same set. Results The regression lines fitted to the data points corresponding to LVM of boys had a higher slope than of girls, indicating that sex affects the relationship between LVM and body size. The mean differences between the paired LVM z-scores differed significantly from 0. The percentage of discordant indications, depending on the normalization method, ranged from 66.7% to 100% in girls and from 35.4% to 50% in boys. Application of the LVM normative data that were not sex-specific made relative LVM underestimated in girls and overestimated in boys. Conclusion The LVM normative data should be developed separately for girls and boys practicing sports. Application of normative data that are not sex-specific results in an underestimation of relative LVM in girls and overestimation in boys.
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Mihaileanu S, Antohi E. Revisiting the relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular-arterial coupling. ESC Heart Fail 2020; 7:2214-2222. [PMID: 32686316 PMCID: PMC7524249 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article was to analyse in‐depth the relationship between left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF) and the most commonly used formulas for the calculation of LV elastance (Ees), volume intercept at 0 mmHg pressure (V0), effective arterial elastance (Ea), and ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC) as are validated today. We analyse the mathematical resulting consequences, raising the question on the physiological validity. To our knowledge, some of the following mathematical consequences have never been published. On the basis of studies demonstrating that normal LV dimensions and LVEF have a Gaussian unimodal distribution, we considered that the normal modal LVEF is 62% or very close to it. Expressed as a fraction, it is 0.62, that is, the reciprocal of the Phi number (namely, 1/Φ ~ 0.618). Applying Euclid's mathematical law on the extreme and mean ratio (the golden ratio), we studied the LVEF–VAC relationship in normal hearts. The simplification of the VAC formula (with V0 = 0) leads to false physiological results; V0 extraction from single‐beat Chen's formula leads to high negative results in normal subjects; based on the Euclid law, LVEF and Ea/Ees will be equal for a ratio value of 0.618 (62%) where V0 cannot be different from 0 mL; LVEF and VAC inverse relationship formula (Ea/Ees = 1/LVEF − 1) is reducible to a fundamental property of Phi: 1/Φ = (Φ − 1), being valid only if LVEF = VAC at a 0.618 value; according to this restriction, Vo can only be 0 mL, thus describing a very limited range. The Ea/Ees ratio, owing to its mathematical more dynamic behaviour, can be more sensitive than LVEF, being a valuable clinical tool in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced EF, acute unstable haemodynamic situations, where Ees and Ea variations are disproportionate. However, the application is doubtful in HF with preserved EF where Ees and Ea may have same‐direction augmentation. The modified VAC formula suffers from oversimplification, reducing it to a dimensionless ratio, which is supposed to approximate non‐linear time‐varying functions. Thus, we advocate for caution and in‐depth understanding when using simplified formulas in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena‐Laura Antohi
- Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases ‘C.C. Iliescu’BucharestRomania
- University for Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’BucharestRomania
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Pieles GE, Stuart AG. The adolescent athlete's heart; A miniature adult or grown-up child? Clin Cardiol 2020; 43:852-862. [PMID: 32643161 PMCID: PMC7403711 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The systematic development of early age talent in sports academies has led to the professionalization of pediatric sport and the sports physician need to be aware of pediatric cardiological problems. Research into the medical cardiac care and assessment of the pediatric athlete are accumulating, but specific pediatric international guidelines are not available yet and reference data for ECG and echocardiography are incomplete, in particular for the age group <12 years of age. This article is an introduction to the physiological and diagnostics specifics of the pediatric athlete. The focus lies in the differences in presentation and diagnosis between pediatric and adult athletes for the most common pathologies. Reference data for electrical and structural adaptations to intensive exercise are sparse particularly in athletes aged below 12 years old. Training related changes include decrease of resting heart rate, increase of cardiac output, ventricular cavity size, and wall thickness. Cardiac hypertrophy is less pronounced in pediatric athletes, as HR mediated cardiac output increase to endurance exercise is the dominant mechanism in peripubertal children. As in adults, the most pronounced cardiovascular adaptations appear in classical endurance sports like rowing, triathlon, and swimming, but the specifics of pediatric ECG and echocardiographic changes need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido E Pieles
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Graham Stuart
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, UK
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Bassareo PP, Crisafulli A. Gender Differences in Hemodynamic Regulation and Cardiovascular Adaptations to Dynamic Exercise. Curr Cardiol Rev 2020; 16:65-72. [PMID: 30907327 PMCID: PMC7393595 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x15666190321141856] [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] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise is a major challenge for cardiovascular apparatus since it recruits chronotropic, inotropic, pre-load, and afterload reserves. Regular physical training induces several physiological adaptations leading to an increase in both cardiac volume and mass. It appears that several gender-related physiological and morphological differences exist in the cardiovascular adjustments and adaptations to dynamic exercise in humans. In this respect, gender may be important in determining these adjustments and adaptations to dynamic exercise due to genetic, endocrine, and body composition differences between sexes. Females seem to have a reduced vasoconstriction and a lower vascular resistance in comparison to males, especially after exercise. Significant differences exist also in the cardiovascular adaptations to physical training, with trained women showing smaller cardiac volume and wall thickness compared with male athletes. In this review, we summarize these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier P Bassareo
- University College of Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Teaching Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonio Crisafulli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Sports Physiology Lab., University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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38
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Pieles GE, Oberhoffer R. The Assessment of the Paediatric Athlete. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2020; 13:306-312. [PMID: 32367344 PMCID: PMC7360531 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-020-10005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The success of systematic early age talent development has led to the professionalisation of youth sports academies used by clubs and governing bodies alike, and sports physicians are nowadays commonly confronted with paediatric cardiological problems. Medical cardiac care of the paediatric athlete is however in its infancy, and the international guidelines that are present for adult athletes, are not yet available. Similarly, reference data for ECG and echocardiography are incomplete. The aim of this article is to provide and introduction to the cardiac care of the paediatric athlete to facilitate healthy and above all, safe talent development, but also provide guidance on how to distinguish adaptive, beneficial cardiovascular remodelling from underlying pathology of congenital or inherited cardiovascular disease. Differences in presentation, diagnosis and treatment between childhood and adult athletes are highlighted and can educate the reader in the emerging field of paediatric sports cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido E Pieles
- Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Heart Institute, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8BJ, UK.
| | - Renate Oberhoffer
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Georg Brauchle Ring, 80992, Munich, Germany
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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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Baker-Smith CM, Pietris N, Jinadu L. Recommendations for exercise and screening for safe athletic participation in hypertensive youth. Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:743-752. [PMID: 31025109 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-019-04258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity is an important component of ideal cardiovascular health. Current guidelines recommend that youth with hypertension participate in competitive sports once hypertensive target organ effects and risks have been assessed and that children with hypertension receive treatment to lower BP below stage 2 thresholds (e.g., < 140/90 mmHg or < 95th percentile + 12 mmHg) before participating in competitive sports. Despite these recommendations, pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists continue to struggle with how best to counsel their patients regarding appropriate forms of physical activity, the impact of exercise on blood pressure, and how best to screen for cardiovascular conditions that place youth at risk for sudden cardiac death. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding the safety and utility of exercise in the management of high blood pressure in youth. We review determinants of blood pressure during exercise, the impact of blood pressure on cardiovascular health and structure, mechanisms for assessing cardiometabolic fitness (e.g., exercise stress test), contraindications to athletic participation, and how best to plan for athletic participation among hypertensive youth. Greater knowledge in these areas may offer clarity to providers faced with the challenge of prescribing exercise recommendations for hypertensive youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa M Baker-Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Nicholas Pietris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Laide Jinadu
- Department of Pediatrics, Valley Children's Medical Center, Madera, CA, USA
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V. Martinho D, Valente-dos-Santos J, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Gutiérrez AO, Duarte JP, Lourenço-Farinha P, Luz LGO, Gonçalves-Santos J, Machado DRL, Leite N, Conde J, Castanheira JM, Cumming SP, Sherar LB, Malina RM. Scaling left ventricular mass in adolescent female soccer players. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:157. [PMID: 32284059 PMCID: PMC7153237 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to examine the contribution of chronological age (CA), skeletal maturation, training experience and concurrent body size descriptors, to inter-individual variance in left ventricular mass (LVM) among female adolescent soccer players. METHODS The sample included 228 female soccer players 11.8-17.1 years. Training experience defined as years of participation in competitive soccer (range 2-9 years), was obtained by interview. Stature, body mass and skinfolds (triceps, medial calf) were measured. Fat mass was estimated; Fat-free mass was derived. LVM was assessed by echocardiography. Skeletal maturity status was as the difference of skeletal age (SA, Fels method) minus CA. RESULTS Fat-free mass was the most prominent single predictor of LVM (R2 = 36.6%). It was associated with an allometric coefficient close to linearity (k = 0.924, 95%CI: 0.737 to 1.112). A significant multiplicative allometric model including body mass, fat-free mass, CA, training experience and skeletal maturity status was also obtained (R = 0.684; R2 = 46.2%). CONCLUSION Stature has limitations as a valid size descriptor of LVM. Body mass, fat-free mass, training experience, CA, body mass and skeletal maturity status were relevant factors contributing to inter-individual variability in LVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo V. Martinho
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Valente-dos-Santos
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuel J. Coelho-e-Silva
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo O. Gutiérrez
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
- Sonora Institute of Technology, Sonora, Mexico
| | - João P. Duarte
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lourenço-Farinha
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Leonardo G. O. Luz
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
- LACAPS, Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca, Brazil
| | | | - Dalmo R. L. Machado
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Neiva Leite
- Physical Education Department, Research Nucleus of Quality of Life, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana Brazil
| | - Jorge Conde
- Department of Clinical Physiology, School of Health and Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. Castanheira
- CIDAF (uid/dtp/04213/2020), University of Coimbra, Estadio Universitario, Pavilhao III, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Physiology, School of Health and Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Lauren B. Sherar
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Robert M. Malina
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas, Austin, USA
- School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
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Timokhina V, Mekhdieva K, Zinovieva Y, Chestukhin V, Blyakhman F. Impact of connective tissue dysplasia on heart adaptation to exercise stress in young athletes. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20202202019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study addresses the contribution of connective tissue dysplasia (CTD) to the cardiac function in young athletes. Thirty-three cross-country skiers aged 15 underwent maximum stress-ECG and TTE before and immediately after stress-test. Global and regional function of LV was evaluated with the use of further image processing. We found that 87.9 % of athletes had phenotypic markers of CTD ranged from 12 to 26 score points. Parameters of LV global function at rest in all studied athletes corresponded to normal age-gender values but markers of regional function showed high degree of mechanical asynchrony that depended on extent of CTD. All athletes passed stress-test successfully and demonstrated a high level of exercise performance. Meanwhile, the variables of LV pump-function and mechanical asynchrony close correlated with CTD extent. Obtained results imply that the increase of CTD extent was accompanied by the decrease of scale of heart adaptation to physical loads.
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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: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [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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Krysztofiak H, Młyńczak M, Małek ŁA, Folga A, Braksator W. Left ventricular mass normalization for body size in children based on an allometrically adjusted ratio is as accurate as normalization based on the centile curves method. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225287. [PMID: 31751386 PMCID: PMC6872180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normalization for body size is required for reliable left ventricular mass (LVM) evaluation, especially in children due to the large variability of body size. In clinical practice, the allometrically adjusted ratio of LVM to height raised to the power of 2.7 is often used. However, studies presenting normative LVM data for children recommend centile curves as optimal for the development of normative data. This study aimed to assess whether the allometrically adjusted LVM-to-height ratio can reliably reproduce the results of LVM normalization for height based on the centile curves method. METHODS Left ventricular mass was computed for 464 boys and 327 girls, 5-18 years old, based on echocardiographic examination. Normalized data representing LVM for height were developed using the centile curves construction method and two variants of the allometrically adjusted ratio method: one variant with the allometric exponents specific to the study groups, and one variant with the universal exponent of 2.7. The agreement between the allometric methods and the centile curves method was analyzed using the concordance correlation coefficient, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS For both the specific allometric variant and the universal variant, the analysis of concordance has indicated high reproducibility compared to the centile curves method. The respective coefficient values were 0.9917 and 0.9916 for girls, and 0.9886 and 0.9869 for boys. The sensitivity and specificity test has also shown high agreement. However, for girls, the sensitivity was higher for the specific variant (100% vs. 90.9%). CONCLUSION The results of the study show that allometric scaling of LVM for height can very reliably reproduce the results of LVM normalization for height based on the centile curves method. However, the analysis of sensitivity and specificity indicates greater agreement for the allometric normalization with the group-specific allometric exponents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Krysztofiak
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- National Centre for Sports Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Marcel Młyńczak
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Mechatronics, Institute of Metrology and Biomedical Engineering, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz A. Małek
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Braksator
- Department of Sports Cardiology and Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging, 2nd Medical Faculty, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Baumgartner L, Schulz T, Oberhoffer R, Weberruß H. Influence of Vigorous Physical Activity on Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular System in Young Athletes-The MuCAYA-Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:148. [PMID: 31649936 PMCID: PMC6794339 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Moderate physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced risk to develop cardiovascular disease. However, junior athletes exercise between 10 and 20 h a week with intensities exceeding moderate levels by far. In this regard, the cardiovascular system has to increase its work five to six times compared to moderate intensities. This may result in potentially pathological adaptations of the cardiovascular system. The underlying process of vascular adaptations to exercise is yet not fully understood and hardly investigated in junior athletes. An increased blood pressure and pulse wave velocity, ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmia, and even sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been reported in adult athletes. Studies, examining the cardiovascular system in children, its association to intensity and type of exercise, are rare. Therefore, we present the study protocol of a prospective cross-sectional study that investigates the influence of PA on the cardiovascular system in young athletes. Methods and Design: Children and adolescents, 7–18 years, presenting for their annual pre-participation screening at the Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich (TUM), are examined in this prospective cross-sectional study. Vascular parameters measured by ultrasound are carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), vascular stiffness (AC, Ep, β, PWV β), and the vascular diameter (D) to calculate the IMT:Diameter-Ratio (IDR). Cardiac function is evaluated by a 12-lead ECG, and echocardiographic parameters (end-diastolic left ventricular diameter, left ventricular diastolic posterior wall thickness, diastolic septal thickness, left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness, ejection fraction, and shortening fraction). A cardiopulmonary exercise test is performed on a bicycle ergometer, muscular strength is assessed with the handgrip test, and physical activity with the MoMo questionnaire. Discussion: It is essential to follow young athletes over the course of their career in order to detect pathophysiological changes in the myocardium as soon as possible. If these changes are preceded or followed by changes in vascular structure and function is not known yet. Therefore, we present the study protocol of the Munich Cardiovascular adaptations in young athletes study (MuCAYA-Study) which investigates the association between vascular and cardiac adaptation to intensive exercise in junior athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Baumgartner
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schulz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidi Weberruß
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Baggish AL. Prolonged Systole and Reduced Ejection Fraction among Competitive Athletes: Slow and Low but Able to Go. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:997-999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.05.019] [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: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Perry R, Swan AL, Hecker T, De Pasquale CG, Selvanayagam JB, Joseph MX. The Spectrum of Change in the Elite Athlete's Heart. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:978-986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Boraita A, Sánchez-Testal MV, Diaz-Gonzalez L, Heras ME, Alcocer-Ayuga M, de la Rosa A, Rabadán M, Abdul-Jalbar B, Pérez de Isla L, Santos-Lozano A, Lucia A. Apparent Ventricular Dysfunction in Elite Young Athletes: Another Form of Cardiac Adaptation of the Athlete's Heart. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:987-996. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Malhotra A, Dhutia H, Yeo TJ, Finocchiaro G, Gati S, Bulleros P, Fanton Z, Papatheodorou E, Miles C, Keteepe-Arachi T, Basu J, Parry-Williams G, Prakash K, Gray B, D'Silva A, Ensam B, Behr E, Tome M, Papadakis M, Sharma S. Accuracy of the 2017 international recommendations for clinicians who interpret adolescent athletes’ ECGs: a cohort study of 11 168 British white and black soccer players. Br J Sports Med 2019; 54:739-745. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AimTo investigate the accuracy of the recently published international recommendations for ECG interpretation in young athletes in a large cohort of white and black adolescent soccer players.Methods11 168 soccer players (mean age 16.4±1.2 years) were evaluated with a health questionnaire, ECG and echocardiogram; 10 581 (95%) of the players were male and 10 163 (91%) were white. ECGs were retrospectively analysed according to (1) the 2010 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommendations, (2) Seattle criteria, (3) refined criteria and (4) the international recommendations for ECG interpretation in young athletes.ResultsThe ESC recommendations resulted in a higher number of abnormal ECGs compared with the Seattle, refined and international criteria (13.2%, 4.3%, 2.9% and 1.8%, respectively). All four criteria were associated with a higher prevalence of abnormal ECGs in black athletes compared with white athletes (ESC: 16.2% vs 12.9%; Seattle: 5.9% vs 4.2%; refined: 3.8% vs 2.8%; international 3.6% vs 1.6%; p<0.001 each). Compared with ESC recommendations, the Seattle, refined and international criteria identified a lower number of abnormal ECGs—by 67%, 78% and 86%, respectively. All four criteria identified 36 (86%) of 42 athletes with serious cardiac pathology. Compared with ESC recommendations, the Seattle criteria improved specificity from 87% to 96% in white athletes and 84% to 94% in black athletes. The international recommendations demonstrated the highest specificity for white (99%) and black (97%) athletes and a sensitivity of 86%.ConclusionsThe 2017 international recommendations for ECG interpretation in young athletes can be applied to adolescent athletes to detect serious cardiac disease. These recommendations perform more effectively than previous ECG criteria in both white and black adolescent soccer players.
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Cantinotti M, Koestenberger M, Santoro G, Assanta N, Franchi E, Paterni M, Iervasi G, D'Andrea A, D'Ascenzi F, Giordano R, Galderisi M. Normal basic 2D echocardiographic values to screen and follow up the athlete's heart from juniors to adults: What is known and what is missing. A critical review. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 27:1294-1306. [PMID: 31266355 DOI: 10.1177/2047487319862060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, multiple echocardiographic nomograms have been published. However, normal values calculated in the general population are not applicable to athletes, whose hearts may be enlarged and hypercontractile. Accordingly, athletes require specific nomograms. Our aim is to provide a critical review of echocardiographic nomograms on two-dimensional (2D) measures for athletes. We performed a systematic search in the National Library of Medicine for Medical Subject Headings and free text terms including echocardiography, athletes, normal values and nomograms. The search was refined by adding the keywords heart, sport, elite, master, children and young. Twenty-eight studies were selected for the final analysis. Our research revealed that currently available ranges of normality for athletes reported by different authors are quite consistent, with limited exceptions (e.g. atria, aorta). Numerical and methodological limitations, however, emerged. Numerical limitations included a limited sample size (e.g. < 450 subjects) of the population assessed and the paucity of data in women, non-Caucasian athletes, and junior and master athletes. Some data on M-mode measurements are available, while those for some specific structures (e.g. left atrial (LA) area and volumes, right ventricular diameters and aorta) are limited or rare (e.g. LA area). There was heterogeneity in data normalization (by gender, sport type and ethnicity) and their expression was limited to mean values (Z-scores have rarely been employed), while variability analysis was often lacking or incomplete. We conclude that comprehensive nomograms using an appropriate sample size, evaluating a complete dataset of 2D (and three-dimensional) measures and built using a rigorous statistical approach are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cantinotti
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martin Koestenberger
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Medical University Graz, Austria.,European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | - Eliana Franchi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Massa and Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonello D'Andrea
- Division of Cardiology, Umberto I' Hospital Nocera Inferiore (Salerno), Luigi Vanvitelli University, Caserta, Italy
| | - Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giordano
- Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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