1
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Di Gioia G, Vespasiano F, Maestrini V, Monosilio S, Segreti A, Lemme E, Squeo MR, Serdoz A, Pelliccia A. Determinants of supraventricular extra beats in elite athletes practicing different sporting disciplines. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2024; 25:731-739. [PMID: 39225077 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001657] [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: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supraventricular extra beats (SVEB) are frequently observed in athletes but data on significance, prognostic role and correlation with cardiac remodeling are contrasting. It is uncertain whether SVEB may indicate the development of more complex arrhythmias and the need for closer monitoring is undetermined. The aim was to assess the prevalence and clinical significance of BESV in Olympic athletes of different sporting disciplines, evaluating potential correlations with cardiac remodeling and clinical features. METHODS We enrolled athletes who participated at 2012-2022 Olympic Games, submitted to physical examination, blood tests, echocardiography and exercise tests, categorized into power, skills, endurance and mixed disciplines. RESULTS We studied 1492 elite athletes: 56% male individuals, mean age 25.8 ± 5.1 years; 29.5% practiced power, 12.3% skills, 21% endurance and 37.2% mixed disciplines. At exercise-stress tests, 6.2% had SVEB, mostly single beats. SVEB were not influenced by anthropometrics or blood test results. They were more common in male individuals (77.4 vs. 54.6%, P < 0.0001) and older athletes (27.1 ± 5.7 vs. 25.7 ± 5.1, P = 0.01). In male athletes with SVEB, higher left atrial volumes were observed (24.2 ± 7.3 vs. 22.2 ± 7.1 ml/m2, P = 0.03). No differences were found in terms of sporting discipline: despite larger left atrial dimensions in aerobic disciplines, SVEB rates were similar in different sporting disciplines (6.1% endurance, 6.3% mixed, 5.2% power and 8.7% skills; P = 0.435). CONCLUSION SVEB were more common in older, male athletes and associated with higher left atrial volume (especially in male individuals) regardless of sport practiced. Athletes with greater left atrial volume and SVEB are supposed to have higher risk, in middle age, of developing more complex arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Gioia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Piazza Lauro De Bosis
| | - Francesca Vespasiano
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo
| | - Viviana Maestrini
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Monosilio
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Segreti
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Piazza Lauro De Bosis
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo
| | - Erika Lemme
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
| | - Maria Rosaria Squeo
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
| | - Andrea Serdoz
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
| | - Antonio Pelliccia
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, National Italian Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli
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2
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Aaroee M, Tischer SG, Christensen R, Dall CH, Thune JJ, Rasmusen H. Atrial remodelling associated with sporting discipline, sex and duration in elite sports: a cross-sectional echocardiographic study among Danish elite athletes. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2024; 10:e001880. [PMID: 38756698 PMCID: PMC11097822 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Elite endurance training is characterised by a high-volume load of the heart and has been associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in middle-aged men. We compared left atrial (LA) remodelling among elite athletes engaged in sports, categorised as having low, intermediate, and high cardiac demands. Methods This cross-sectional echocardiographic study of healthy elite athletes evaluated LA size and function measured as LA maximum volume (maxLAVi) and contraction strain. Athletes were grouped according to the cardiac demands of their sport (low, intermediate, high). Morphological measures were indexed to body surface area and reported as least square means; differences between groups were reported with 95% CIs. Results We included 482 elite athletes (age 21±5 years (mean±SD), 39% women). MaxLAVi was larger in the high group (28.4 mL/m2) compared with the low group (20.2 mL/m2; difference: 8.2, CI 5.3 to 11.1 mL/m2; p<0.001), where measurements in men exceed those in women (26.4 mL/m2 vs 24.7 mL/m2; difference 1.6 mL/m2; CI 0.3 to 2.9 mL/m2; p=0.0175). In the high group, LA contraction strain was lower compared with the low group (-10.1% vs -12.9%; difference: 2.8%; CI 1.3 to 4.3%; p<0.001), and men had less LA contraction strain compared with women (-10.3% vs -11.0%; difference 0.7%; CI 0.0 to 1.4%; p=0.049). Years in training did not affect maxLAVi or LA contraction strain. Conclusion MaxLAVi was higher while LA contraction strain was lower with increased cardiac demands. MaxLAVi was larger, and LA contraction was lower in men compared with women. Whether these sex-based differences in LA remodelling are a precursor to pathological remodelling in male athletes is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Aaroee
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Susanne Glasius Tischer
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robin Christensen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, University of Southern Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christian Have Dall
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Jakob Thune
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Rasmusen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Lasocka-Koriat Z, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Kaleta-Duss A, Siekierzycka A, Kalinowski L, Lewicka E, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A. Differences in cardiac adaptation to exercise in male and female athletes assessed by noninvasive techniques: a state-of-the-art review. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1065-H1079. [PMID: 38391314 PMCID: PMC11380999 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00756.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Athlete's heart is generally regarded as a physiological adaptation to regular training, with specific morphological and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system. Development of the noninvasive imaging techniques over the past several years enabled better assessment of cardiac remodeling in athletes, which may eventually mimic certain pathological conditions with the potential for sudden cardiac death, or disease progression. The current literature provides a compelling overview of the available methods that target the interrelation of prolonged exercise with cardiac structure and function. However, this data stems from scientific studies that included mostly male athletes. Despite the growing participation of females in competitive sport meetings, little is known about the long-term cardiac effects of repetitive training in this population. There are several factors-biochemical, physiological and psychological, that determine sex-dependent cardiac response. Herein, the aim of this review was to compare cardiac adaptation to endurance exercise in male and female athletes with the use of electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical examination, to determine the sex-specific phenotypes, and to improve the healthcare providers' awareness of cardiac remodeling in athletes. Finally, we discuss the possible exercise-induced alternations that should arouse suspicion of pathology and be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka-Koriat
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Kaleta-Duss
- Institute for Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Anna Siekierzycka
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- BioTechMed Centre/Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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4
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Leo DG, Proietti R. A New Player in the Game: Can Exergame Be of Support in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:172. [PMID: 38256432 PMCID: PMC10819072 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting 2-3% of the world's population. Traditional exercise and physical activity interventions have been successfully implemented in the management of AF, with the aim of improving patients' quality of life and their exercise capacity, as well as reducing their mortality rate. Currently, new technology-mediated approaches to exercise, defined as exergame, have been shown to be successful in the delivery of exercise home-based interventions in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, data on the effects of exergame on AF are not yet available. In this paper, we summarise the current literature on the role of traditional exercise in AF and how it affects the pathophysiology of this condition. We also review the current literature on exergame and its employment in cardiac rehabilitation and suggest its potential role in the management of AF patients. A review of the evidence suggests that traditional exercise (of light-to-moderate intensity) is beneficial in patients with AF. Additionally, exergame seems to be a promising approach for delivering exercise interventions in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Exergame may be a promising tool to improve the quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with AF, with the additional advantage of being remotely delivered, and the potential to increase patients' engagement. Proper guidelines are required to prescribe exergame interventions, considering the principles of traditional exercise prescription and applying them to this new e-health approach. Further studies are needed to validate the use of exergame in patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Giuseppe Leo
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L8 7TX, UK
| | - Riccardo Proietti
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L8 7TX, UK
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5
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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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Sciatti E, Coccia MG, Magnano R, Aakash G, Limonta R, Diep B, Balestrieri G, D'Isa S, Abramov D, Parwani P, D'Elia E. Heart Failure Preserved Ejection Fraction in Women: Insights Learned from Imaging. Heart Fail Clin 2023; 19:461-473. [PMID: 37714587 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
While the prevalence of heart failure, in general, is similar in men and women, women experience a higher rate of HFpEF compared to HFrEF. Cardiovascular risk factors, parity, estrogen levels, cardiac physiology, and altered response to the immune system may be at the root of this difference. Studies have found that in response to increasing age and hypertension, women experience more concentric left ventricle remodeling, more ventricular and arterial stiffness, and less ventricular dilation compared to men, which predisposes women to developing more diastolic dysfunction. A multi-modality imaging approach is recommended to identify patients with HFpEF. Particularly, appreciation of sex-based differences as described in this review is important in optimizing the evaluation and care of women with HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Sciatti
- Cardiology Unit, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | | | - Gupta Aakash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Raul Limonta
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano Bicocca University, Milano, Italy
| | - Brian Diep
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Salvatore D'Isa
- Cardiology Unit, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Dmitry Abramov
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Purvi Parwani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Emilia D'Elia
- Cardiology Unit, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
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7
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Simard F, Sanz-de la Garza M, Vaquer-Seguí A, Blanco I, Burgos F, Alsina X, Prat-González S, Sitges M. Sex as a main determinant of bi-atrial acute and chronic adaptation to exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:2585-2596. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05018-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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8
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Lasocka Z, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Faran A, Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Nowak R, Kaufmann D, Kaleta-Duss A, Kalinowski L, Raczak G, Lewicka E, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A. Exercise-Induced Atrial Remodeling in Female Amateur Marathon Runners Assessed by Three-Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography. Front Physiol 2022; 13:863217. [PMID: 35860663 PMCID: PMC9289460 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.863217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial remodeling and atrial arrhythmias. However, data regarding atrial adaptation to physical exercise in non-elite athletes are limited. Even less is known about atrial performance in women. We aimed to elucidate exercise-induced changes in atrial morphology and function in female amateur marathon runners using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The study group consisted of 27 female (40 ± 7 years) amateur athletes. Right (RA) and left atrial (LA) measures were assessed three times: 2–3 weeks before the marathon (stage 1), immediately after the run (stage 2), and 2 weeks after the competition (stage 3). Directly after the marathon, a remarkable RA dilatation, as assessed by RA maximal volume (RAVmax, 31.3 ± 6.8 vs. 35.0 ± 7.0 ml/m2; p = 0.008), with concomitant increase in RA contractile function [RA active emptying fraction (RA active EF), 27.7 ± 8.6 vs. 35.0 ± 12.1%; p = 0.014; RA peak atrial contraction strain (RA PACS) 13.8 ± 1.8 vs. 15.6 ± 2.5%; p = 0.016] was noticed. There were no significant changes in LA volumes between stages, while LA active EF (34.3 ± 6.4 vs. 39.4 ± 8.6%; p = 0.020), along with LA PACS (12.8 ± 2.1 vs. 14.9 ± 2.7%; p = 0.002), increased post race. After the race, an increase in right ventricular (RV) dimensions (RV end-diastolic volume index, 48.8 ± 11.0 vs. 60.0 ± 11.1 ml/m2; p = 0.001) and a decrease in RV function (RV ejection fraction, 54.9 ± 6.3 vs. 49.1 ± 6.3%; p = 0.006) were observed. The magnitude of post-race RV dilatation was correlated with peak RA longitudinal strain deterioration (r = −0.56, p = 0.032). The measured parameters did not differ between stages 1 and 3. In female amateur athletes, apart from RV enlargement and dysfunction, marathon running promotes transient biatrial remodeling, with more pronounced changes in the RA. Post-race RA dilatation and increment of the active contraction force of both atria are observed. However, RA reservoir function diminishes in those with post-race RV dilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Lasocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Faran
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Nowak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Damian Kaufmann
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Kaleta-Duss
- Institute for Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics—Fahrenheit Biobank BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- BioTechMed Centre/Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- *Correspondence: Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka,
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9
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Hosseinsabet A, Mahmoudian R, Jalali A, Mohseni-Badalabadi R, Davarpasand T. Normal Ranges of Right Atrial Strain and Strain Rate by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:771647. [PMID: 34977185 PMCID: PMC8718502 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.771647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Normal range values of right atrial (RA) phasic function markers are essential for the identification of normal and abnormal values, comparison with reference values, and the clinical meaning of obtained values. Accordingly, we aimed to define the normal range values of RA phasic function markers obtained by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography through a meta-analysis and determine the main sources of heterogeneity among reported values. Methods: PUBMED, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched for the following keywords: "right atrial/right atrium" and "strain/speckle/deformation" and "echocardiography." Studies were selected that included a human healthy adult group without any cardiovascular diseases or risk factors and that were written in the English language. For the calculation of each marker of RA phasic functions, a random-effect model was used. Meta-regression was employed to define the major sources of variabilities among reported values. Results: Fifteen studies that included 2,469 healthy subjects were selected for analysis. The normal range values for RA strain and strain rate were 42.7% (95% CI, 39.4 to 45.9%) and 2.1 s-1 (95% CI, 2.0 to 2.1 s-1) during the reservoir phase, respectively, 23.6% (95% CI, 20.7 to 26.6%) and -1.9 s-1 (95% CI, -2.2 to -1.7 s-1) during the conduit phase, correspondingly, and 16.1% (95% CI, 13.6 to 18.6%) and -1.8 s-1 (95% CI, -2.0 to -1.5 s-1) during the contraction phase, respectively. The sources of heterogeneity for the normal range of these markers were the number of participants, the type of software, the method of global value calculation, the right ventricular fractional area change, the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, the RA volume index, sex, the heart rate, the diastolic blood pressure, the body mass index, and the body surface area. Conclusions: Using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography, we defined normal values for RA phasic function markers and identified the sources of heterogeneity as demographic, anthropometric, hemodynamic, and echocardiography factors. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021236578, identifier: CRD42021236578.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hosseinsabet
- Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Mahmoudian
- Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Jalali
- Department of Research, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mohseni-Badalabadi
- Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Davarpasand
- Department of Cardiology, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Glibbery M, Banks L, Altaha MA, Bentley RF, Konieczny K, Yan AT, Dorian P, Deva DP, Goodman JM, Connelly KA. Atrial structure and function in middle-aged, physically-active males and females: A cardiac magnetic resonance study. Clin Cardiol 2021; 44:1467-1474. [PMID: 34469002 PMCID: PMC8495091 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23707] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported on an association between endurance sport, atrial enlargement and the development of lone atrial fibrillation in younger, male cohorts. The atrial morphology and function of middle‐aged, physically‐active males and females have not been well studied. We hypothesized that middle‐aged males would demonstrate larger left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) volumes compared to females, but atrial function would not differ. LA and RA volume and function were evaluated at rest in healthy adults, using a standardized 3.0Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance protocol. Physical activity, medical history, and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) were also assessed. Physically‐active, middle‐aged men (n = 60; 54 ± 5 years old) and women (n = 30; 54 ± 5 years old) completed this study. Males had a higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and V˙O2peak than females (p < .05 for all), despite similar reported physical activity levels. Absolute and BSA and height‐indexed LA and RA maximum volumes were higher in males relative to females, despite no differences in ejection fractions (p < .05 for all). In multivariable regression, male sex p < .001) and V˙O2peak (p = .004) were predictors of LA volume (model R2 = 0.252), whereas V˙O2peak (p < .001), male sex (p = .03), and RV EF (p < .05) were predictors of RA volume (model R2 = 0.377). While middle‐aged males exhibited larger atrial volumes relative to females, larger, prospective studies are needed to explore the magnitude of physiologic atrial remodeling and functional adaptations in relation to phenotypic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Glibbery
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura Banks
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mustafa A Altaha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert F Bentley
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kaja Konieczny
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew T Yan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul Dorian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Djeven P Deva
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jack M Goodman
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Division of Cardiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kim A Connelly
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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11
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Trivedi SJ, Claessen G, Stefani L, Flannery MD, Brown P, Janssens K, Elliott A, Sanders P, Kalman J, Heidbuchel H, Thomas L, La Gerche A. Differing mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes and non-athletes: alterations in atrial structure and function. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021; 21:1374-1383. [PMID: 32757003 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaa183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more common in athletes and may be associated with adverse left atrial (LA) remodelling. We compared LA structure and function in athletes and non-athletes with and without AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Individuals (144) were recruited from four groups (each n = 36): (i) endurance athletes with paroxysmal AF, (ii) endurance athletes without AF, (iii) non-athletes with paroxysmal AF, and (iv) non-athletic healthy controls. Detailed echocardiograms were performed. Athletes had 35% larger LA volumes and 51% larger left ventricular (LV) volumes vs. non-athletes. Non-athletes with AF had increased LA size compared with controls. LA/LV volume ratios were similar in both athlete groups and non-athlete controls, but LA volumes were differentially increased in non-athletes with AF. Diastolic function was impaired in non-athletes with AF vs. non-athletes without, while athletes with and without AF had normal diastolic function. Compared with non-AF athletes, athletes with AF had increased LA minimum volumes (22.6 ± 5.6 vs. 19.2 ± 6.7 mL/m2, P = 0.033), with reduced LA emptying fraction (0.49 ± 0.06 vs. 0.55 ± 0.12, P = 0.02), and LA expansion index (1.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.5, P = 0.03). LA reservoir and contractile strain were decreased in athletes and similar to non-athletes with AF. CONCLUSION Functional associations differed between athletes and non-athletes with AF, suggesting different pathophysiological mechanisms. Diastolic dysfunction and reduced strain defined non-athletes with AF. Athletes had low atrial strain and those with AF had enlarged LA volumes and reduced atrial emptying, but preserved LV diastolic parameters. Thus, AF in athletes may be triggered by an atrial myopathy from exercise-induced haemodynamic stretch consequent to increased cardiac output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth J Trivedi
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Guido Claessen
- Sports Cardiology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luke Stefani
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Darragh Flannery
- Sports Cardiology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paula Brown
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristel Janssens
- Sports Cardiology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian Elliott
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Liza Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Sports Cardiology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,National Centre for Sports Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
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12
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Qu YY, Buckert D, Ma GS, Rasche V. Quantitative Assessment of Left and Right Atrial Strains Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Based Tissue Tracking. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:690240. [PMID: 34250043 PMCID: PMC8264056 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.690240] [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: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Left and right atrium (LA and RA) exert an essential and dynamic role in ventricular filling and hence affect heart performance. Strain quantification has been reported as a novel parameter to assess function. However, the assessment of bi-atrial strains with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) based techniques is still limited and gender- and age-specific normal values in a healthy population are missing. Methods: One hundred and fifty healthy volunteers (49.8 ± 17.3 years, 75 males) undergoing 1.5 Tesla CMR examination were retrospectively and consecutively recruited. LA and RA free wall (RAFW) radial and longitudinal strains (RS and LS) associated with atrial reservoir, conduit and booster pump functions were evaluated with CMR based tissue tracking (CMR-TT) technique. Results: The reservoir, conduit and pump LS resulted as 30.7 ± 10.2%, 19.5 ± 8.2%, 10.9 ± 3.7% for LA, and 52.2 ± 17.6%, 33.3 ± 14.2%, 19.1 ± 8.5% for RAFW, respectively. The amplitude of RA strains was significantly larger than that of LA strains, except for conduit RS. With the increase of age, the decrement of majority of reservoir and conduit strains were observed, while pump strains remained unaffected. Females presented with significantly larger RAFW strains compared with males, especially in the elderly. In addition to the positive correlation between atrial strains and emptying fraction, the negative correlation between atrial strains and volume index was also confirmed. Intra-observer reproducibility of LA strains was superior to RAFW strains (coefficient of variation: 10.12–17.04% vs. 10.80–27.36%, respectively), and the measurement of reservoir and conduit strains was more reproducible in comparison with pump strain. Conclusion: CMR-TT is a feasible and reproducible technique to quantify LA and RA strains and determine atrial phasic functions. The existence of age- and gender-related difference of strains suggests the necessity to establish specific normal values for individual populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Qu
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dominik Buckert
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gen-Shan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Volker Rasche
- Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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13
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Buckley BJR, Lip GYH, Thijssen DHJ. The counterintuitive role of exercise in the prevention and cause of atrial fibrillation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1051-H1058. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00509.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by irregular atrial activity. AF is related to increased risk of thromboembolic events, heart failure, and premature mortality. Recent advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology include a potentially central role for inflammation and presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The role of physical activity and exercise in the development and progression of AF, however, are not yet fully understood. Physical activity is protective for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including those associated with AF. Indeed, emerging research has demonstrated beneficial effects of exercise on AF-specific outcomes, including AF recurrence postablation. Counterintuitively, the prevalence of AF in veteran endurance athletes seems higher compared with the general population. In this review, we discuss the novel evidence and underlying mechanisms underpinning the role of exercise as medicine in the development and management of AF but also the counterintuitive detrimental role of excessive endurance exercise. Finally, we advocate regular (but not long-term high-intensity endurance) exercise training as a safe and effective strategy to reduce the risk of incident AF and to minimize the associated risk of secondary cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. R. Buckley
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory Y. H. Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dick H. J. Thijssen
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Research Institute for Health Science, Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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14
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Martinez V, Sanz de la Garza M, Grazioli G, Roca E, Brotons D, Sitges M. Cardiac adaptation to endurance exercise training: Differential impact of swimming and running. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:844-853. [PMID: 32588757 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1789228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: High-intensity training has been associated with bi-ventricular and bi-atrial remodelling and a potentially increased risk of arrhythmias. Most of the evidence is based on endurance disciplines mainly involving the lower part of the body, while few data is available on upper body disciplines. The purpose of this study was to compare chronic cardiac remodelling induced by running and swimming as well as the acute response of ventricular and atrial performance after an upper-body and a lower-body endurance race. Methods: Standard and speckle tracking echocardiographic assessment of left ventricle, right ventricle and both atria was performed at baseline and immediately after a 9.5 km open-water swimming race in 26 healthy men and before and after a 35 km-trail-running race in 21 male runners. Results: No significant differences were observed in baseline ventricular dimensions. However, both right ventricular and atrial systolic deformation were greater in runners. This group also showed slightly larger atrial volumes as compared to swimmers. After the race, right ventricular dilatation was observed in both groups, but only runners showed a decrease in right ventricular deformation and a decrease in atrial volumes and deformation. Significant increases in atrial deformation without reduction in atrial volumes were observed only in swimmers after the race. Conclusions: Right ventricular and atrial remodelling is different depending on the endurance training discipline. Long-distance running races induce a greater impairment in right ventricular performance and atrial function compared to endurance swimming competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Martinez
- Department of Cardiology, Fundació Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Manresa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sanz de la Garza
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Marta Sitges
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Relationship between Cardiac Remodeling and Exercise Capacity in Elite Athletes: Incremental Value of Left Atrial Morphology and Function Assessed by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 33:101-109.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Tirapu L, San Antonio R, Tolosana JM, Roca-Luque I, Mont L, Guasch E. Exercise and atrial fibrillation: how health turns harm, and how to turn it back. Minerva Cardioangiol 2019; 67:411-424. [DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4725.19.04998-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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17
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Sanz-de la Garza M, Giraldeau G, Marin J, Imre Sarvari S, Guasch E, Gabrielli L, Brambila C, Bijnens B, Sitges M. Should the septum be included in the assessment of right ventricular longitudinal strain? An ultrasound two-dimensional speckle-tracking stress study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 35:1853-1860. [PMID: 31129743 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-019-01633-6] [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] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a useful parameter for assessing systolic function. However, the exact method to perform it is not well defined as some authors evaluate only free wall (FW) segments while others include all six RV segments. To compare the assessment of RVLS at rest and during exercise by these two approaches. Echocardiography was performed on 80 healthy subjects at rest and during exercise. The analysis consisted of standard and 2D-STE assessment of RV global and segmental strain tracing only RVFW and also tracing all six RV segments. At rest, RVLS could be assessed in 78 (feasibility 97.5%) subjects by both methods. However, during exercise, RVLS by RVFW method was feasible in 67 (83.8%) as compared to 74 (92.5%) by RV6S approach. Both at rest and during exercise, RVLS values by the two methods showed excellent correlation (r = > 0.90). However, RVLS values assessed by RV6S were lower (absolute values) than those by RVFW approach (RV6S vs. RVFW; rest: - 27.0 ± 3.9 vs. - 9.5 ± 3.9, p < 0.001 and exercise: - 30.7 ± 5.2 vs. - 33.3 ± 5.1, p < 0.001). Furthermore, basal strain was higher and apical strain lower (absolute values) by RV6S approach. At rest, reproducibility for RVLS was excellent and similar for the two methods. However, during exercise, reproducibility for RVFW method was poorer, especially at the apex. The two currently described methods for RVLS assessment by 2D-STE demonstrated excellent agreement. However, the RV6S approach seemed to be more feasible and reproducible, particularly during exercise. Moreover, global and segmental strain values are different with both methods and should not be interchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sanz-de la Garza
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Geneviève Giraldeau
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa Marin
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastian Imre Sarvari
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luigi Gabrielli
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Brambila
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bart Bijnens
- Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Carrer de Roc Boronat 138, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sitges
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomèdica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Cuspidi C, Tadic M, Sala C, Gherbesi E, Grassi G, Mancia G. Left atrial function in elite athletes: A meta-analysis of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic studies. Clin Cardiol 2019; 42:579-587. [PMID: 30907013 PMCID: PMC6523010 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to investigate left atrial (LA) volume, function, and strain in elite athletes by a meta-analysis including echocardiographic studies that provided volumetric and strain analysis of LA phasic function. METHODS The OVID-MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for English-language articles without time restriction up to February 2018 through focused and high sensitive search strategies. Studies were identified by crossing the following search terms: "athletes," "left atrial size," "left atrial volume," "atrial function," "atrial strain," "atrial strain rate," "echocardiography," "2D speckle echocardiography." RESULTS Meta-analysis included 403 athletes and 314 active but not trained healthy controls from 9 studies. Pooled data showed that average LA volume index was higher in athletes than in healthy controls (28.0 ± 1.0 vs 20.7 ± 0.8 mL/m2 , P < 0.001). Global LA longitudinal strain, showing LA reservoir function, was lower in the athletes than in healthy controls with borderline significance (37.0 ± 1.2 vs 38.3 ± 1.5%, P = 0.044). Late diastolic LA strain rate, resembling LA contractile function, was also lower in elite athletes than in control group (-1.56 ± 0.08 vs -1.74 ± 0.09 seconds -1, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis shows that LA volume is higher, while LA reservoir and contractile functions are impaired in elite athletes during active training compared to untrained controls. Whether these changes persist during deconditioning periods remains to be determined. These alterations may be related to the higher risk of arrhythmias, in particular atrial fibrillation, reported among middle/old aged athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Cuspidi
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- Clinical Research UnitIstituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Marijana Tadic
- Clinical Research UnitUniversity Clinical Hospital Center “Dr. Dragisa Misovic ‐ Dedinje”MilanItaly
| | - Carla Sala
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milano and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Elisa Gherbesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of Milano and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Guido Grassi
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- IRCCS MultimedicaSesto San GiovanniMilanItaly
| | - Giuseppe Mancia
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
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19
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Cuspidi C, Sala C, Tadic M, Baccanelli G, Gherbesi E, Grassi G, Mancia G. Left atrial volume in elite athletes: A meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 29:922-932. [PMID: 30866082 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Information on left atrium (LA) enlargement, as assessed by LA volume (LAV) instead of LA diameter, in the athletic population is scanty. To expand current knowledge on this issue, we performed an updated meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies. DESIGN The Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for English language articles without time restriction up to February 2018 through focused, high sensitive search strategies. Studies were identified by crossing the following search terms: "athletes," "physical training," "left atrial size," "left atrial volume," "atrial function," and "echocardiography.". RESULTS Overall, 3145 subjects (2425 elite athletes and 720 active but not trained healthy controls) were included in 16 studies. Average LAV indexed to BSA (LAVI) was 37% higher in athletes as compared to nonathletic controls (31.0 ± 1.4 mL/m2 vs 22.2 ± 0.9 mL/m2 ), the standard means difference (SMD) being 1.12 ± 0.13 (CI: 0.86-1.89, P < 0.0001). SMD was higher in high-dynamic/high-static trained athletes (1.78 ± 0.24, CI: 1.30-2.20, P < 0.001) than in high-dynamic/low-static trained athletes 1.00 ± 0.16, CI: 0.70-1.30, P < 0.001). The statistical difference did not change after correction for publication bias and was not affected by a single study effect. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis suggests that the adaptation of LA to intensive physical training in elite athletes is characterized by a marked increase in LAVI; LA dilation is more pronounced in the subgroup of high-dynamic/high-static trained athletes. The functional and clinical implications related to advanced LA dilation in athletes and particularly in those engaged in high-dynamic/high-static disciplines deserve further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Cuspidi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Carla Sala
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marijana Tadic
- Department of Cardiology, Charité-University-Medicine Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanni Baccanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Gherbesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Guido Grassi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Multimedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mancia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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20
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Abstract
Purpose of the review For many years, competitive sport has been dominated by men. Recent times have witnessed a significant increase in women participating in elite sports. As most studies investigated male athletes, with few reports on female counterparts, it is crucial to have a better understanding on physiological cardiac adaptation to exercise in female athletes, to distinguish normal phenotypes from potentially fatal cardiac diseases. This review reports on cardiac adaptation to exercise in females. Recent findings Recent studies show that electrical, structural, and functional cardiac changes due to physiological adaptation to exercise differ in male and female athletes. Women tend to exhibit eccentric hypertrophy, and while concentric hypertrophy or concentric remodeling may be a normal finding in male athletes, it should be evaluated carefully in female athletes as it may be a sign of pathology. Although few studies on veteran female athletes are available, women seem to be affected by atrial fibrillation, coronary atherosclerosis, and myocardial fibrosis less than male counterparts. Summary Males and females exhibit many biological, anatomical, and hormonal differences, and cardiac adaptation to exercise is no exception. The increasing participation of women in sports should stimulate the scientific community to develop large, longitudinal studies aimed at a better understanding of cardiac adaptation to exercise in female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clea Simone S S Colombo
- MSc Sports Cardiology, Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW 17 0RE, London, UK. .,Cuore Dello Sport, Valinhos, R. Luiz Spiandorelli Neto, 60, s307. Valinhos, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW 17 0RE, London, UK
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21
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Atrial fibrillation in athletes: From epidemiology to treatment in the novel oral anticoagulants era. J Cardiol 2018; 72:269-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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22
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Gabrielli L, Herrera S, Contreras-Briceño F, Vega J, Ocaranza MP, Yáñez F, Fernández R, Saavedra R, Sitges M, García L, Chiong M, Lavandero S, Castro PF. Increased active phase atrial contraction is related to marathon runner performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 118:1931-1939. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3927-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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23
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Gabrielli L, Sitges M, Chiong M, Jalil J, Ocaranza M, Llevaneras S, Herrera S, Fernandez R, Saavedra R, Yañez F, Vergara L, Diaz A, Lavandero S, Castro P. Potential adverse cardiac remodelling in highly trained athletes: still unknown clinical significance. Eur J Sport Sci 2018; 18:1288-1297. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2018.1484174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gabrielli
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marta Sitges
- Cardiology Department, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mario Chiong
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & CEMC, Facultad Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas y Facultad Medicina, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Jalil
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Ocaranza
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Silvana Llevaneras
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Herrera
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Fernandez
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Saavedra
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Yañez
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Vergara
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Diaz
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & CEMC, Facultad Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas y Facultad Medicina, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & CEMC, Facultad Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas y Facultad Medicina, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pablo Castro
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) & División Enfermedades Cardiovasculares. Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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The Female Athlete's Heart: Comparison of Cardiac Changes Induced by Different Types of Exercise Training Using 3D Echocardiography. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3561962. [PMID: 29998132 PMCID: PMC5994567 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3561962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to characterize female athlete's heart in elite competitors in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Bikini Fitness category and compare them to athletes of a more dynamic sport discipline and healthy, sedentary volunteers using 3D echocardiography. Fifteen elite female fitness athletes were recruited and compared to 15 elite, age-matched female water polo athletes and 15 age-matched healthy, nontrained controls. Using 3D echocardiography, left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index (EDVi) and LV mass index (LVMi) were measured. Fitness athletes presented similar LV and RV EDVi compared to healthy, sedentary volunteers. Water polo athletes, however, had higher LV and also RV EDVi (fitness versus water polo versus control; LVEDVi: 76 ± 13 versus 84 ± 8 versus 73 ± 8 ml/m2, ANOVA p = 0.045; RVEDVi: 61 ± 12 versus 86 ± 14 versus 55 ± 9 ml/m2, p < 0.0001). LVMi was significantly higher in the athlete groups; the hypertrophy, however, was even more prominent in water polo athletes (78 ± 13 versus 91 ± 10 versus 57 ± 10 g/m2, p < 0.0001). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize female athlete's heart of IFBB Bikini Fitness competitors. The predominantly static exercise regime induced a mild, concentric-type LV hypertrophy, while in water polo athletes higher ventricular volumes and eccentric LV hypertrophy developed.
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Guasch E, Mont L, Sitges M. Mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes: what we know and what we do not know. Neth Heart J 2018; 26:133-145. [PMID: 29411287 PMCID: PMC5818379 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-018-1080-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise is an emerging cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) in young individuals without coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. The causes of exercise-induced atrial fibrillation remain largely unknown, and conclusions are jeopardised by apparently conflicting data. Some components of the athlete's heart are known to be arrhythmogenic in other settings. Bradycardia, atrial dilatation and, possibly, atrial premature beats are therefore biologically plausible contributors to exercise-induced AF. Challenging findings in an animal model suggest that exercise might also prompt the development of atrial fibrosis, possibly due to cumulative minor structural damage after each exercise bout. However, there is very limited, indirect data supporting this hypothesis in athletes. Age, sex, the presence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors, and genetic individual variability might serve to flag those athletes who are at the higher risk of exercise-induced AF. In this review, we will critically address current knowledge on the mechanisms of exercise-induced AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Guasch
- Institut Clinic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; IDIBAPS; Universitat de Barcelona; CIBERCV., 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - L Mont
- Institut Clinic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; IDIBAPS; Universitat de Barcelona; CIBERCV., 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Sitges
- Institut Clinic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; IDIBAPS; Universitat de Barcelona; CIBERCV., 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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26
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Atrial Enlargement in the Athlete's Heart: Assessment of Atrial Function May Help Distinguish Adaptive from Pathologic Remodeling. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2018; 31:148-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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