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Miljoen H, Favere K, Van De Heyning C, Corteville B, Dausin C, Herbots L, Teulingkx T, Bekhuis Y, Lyssens M, Bogaert J, Heidbuchel H, Claessen G. Low rates of myocardial fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmias in recreational athletes after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1372028. [PMID: 38628312 PMCID: PMC11018940 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1372028] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction High rates of cardiac involvement were reported in the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This led to anxiety in the athletic population. The current study was set up to assess the prevalence of myocardial fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmias in recreational athletes with the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Methods Consecutive adult recreational athletes (≥18 years old, ≥4 h of mixed type or endurance sports/week) underwent systematic cardiac evaluation after a prior confirmed COVID-19 infection. Evaluation included clinical history, electrocardiogram (ECG), 5-day Holter monitoring, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with simultaneous measurement of high-sensitive cardiac Troponin I. Data from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic athletes (Group 1) were compared with those with moderate to severe symptoms (Groups 2-3). Furthermore, a comparison with a historical control group of athletes without COVID-19 (Master@Heart) was made. Results In total, 35 athletes (18 Group 1, 10 female, 36.9 ± 2.2 years, mean 143 ± 20 days following diagnosis) were evaluated. The baseline characteristics for the Group 1 and Groups 2-3 athletes were similar. None of the athletes showed overt myocarditis on CMR based on the updated Lake Louise criteria for diagnosis of myocarditis. The prevalence of non-ischemic late gadolinium enhancement [1 (6%) Group 1 vs. 2 (12%) Groups 2-3; p = 0.603] or ventricular arrhythmias [1 Group 1 athlete showed non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (vs. 0 in Groups 2-3: p = 1.000)] were not statistically different between the groups. When the male athletes were compared with the Master@Heart athletes, again no differences regarding these criteria were found. Conclusion In our series of recreational athletes with prior confirmed COVID-19, we found no evidence of ongoing myocarditis, and no more detection of fibrosis or ventricular arrhythmias than in a comparable athletic pre-COVID cohort. This points to a much lower cardiac involvement of COVID-19 in athletes than originally suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hielko Miljoen
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kasper Favere
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Van De Heyning
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Corteville
- Department of Cardiology, Jan Palfijn Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Dausin
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Herbots
- Department of Cardiology, Hartcentrum, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Youri Bekhuis
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Malou Lyssens
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Bogaert
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiology, Hartcentrum, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
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Hastings MH, Castro C, Freeman R, Abdul Kadir A, Lerchenmüller C, Li H, Rhee J, Roh JD, Roh K, Singh AP, Wu C, Xia P, Zhou Q, Xiao J, Rosenzweig A. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Contributors to the Cardiac Benefits of Exercise. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:535-552. [PMID: 38680954 PMCID: PMC11055208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Among its many cardiovascular benefits, exercise training improves heart function and protects the heart against age-related decline, pathological stress, and injury. Here, we focus on cardiac benefits with an emphasis on more recent updates to our understanding. While the cardiomyocyte continues to play a central role as both a target and effector of exercise's benefits, there is a growing recognition of the important roles of other, noncardiomyocyte lineages and pathways, including some that lie outside the heart itself. We review what is known about mediators of exercise's benefits-both those intrinsic to the heart (at the level of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, or vascular cells) and those that are systemic (including metabolism, inflammation, the microbiome, and aging)-highlighting what is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H. Hastings
- Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Claire Castro
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Freeman
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Azrul Abdul Kadir
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carolin Lerchenmüller
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Haobo Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Rhee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason D. Roh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kangsan Roh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anand P. Singh
- Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Peng Xia
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qiulian Zhou
- Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anthony Rosenzweig
- Institute for Heart and Brain Health, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Javed W, Malhotra A, Swoboda P. Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of athletic myocardial fibrosis; Benign bystander or malignant marker? Int J Cardiol 2024; 394:131382. [PMID: 37741350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131382] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of exercise are irrefutable with a well-established dose-dependent relationship between exercise intensity and reduction in cardiovascular disease. Differentiating the physiological adaptation to exercise, termed the "athlete's heart" from cardiomyopathies, has been advanced by the advent of more sophisticated imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Myocardial fibrosis on CMR is a mutual finding amongst seemingly healthy endurance athletes and individuals with cardiomyopathy. As a substrate for arrhythmias, fibrosis is traditionally associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In this article, we discuss the aetiologies, distribution and potential implications of myocardial fibrosis in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Javed
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Swoboda
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Carstensen H, Nissen SD, Saljic A, Hesselkilde EM, van Hunnik A, Hohl M, Sattler SM, Fløgstad C, Hopster-Iversen C, Verheule S, Böhm M, Schotten U, Jespersen T, Buhl R. Long-Term Training Increases Atrial Fibrillation Sustainability in Standardbred Racehorses. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2023; 16:1205-1219. [PMID: 37014465 PMCID: PMC10615936 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-023-10378-6] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more prevalent in athletes, and currently, the mechanisms are not fully understood. Atrial fibrillation inducibility and stability was investigated in trained and untrained Standardbred racehorses. The horses underwent echocardiography for evaluation of atrial size. High-density mapping during AF was performed, and the presence of structural remodeling, as well as the expression of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory markers in the atria, was studied. Atrial fibrillation sustained significantly longer after tachypacing in the trained horses, whereas no difference in AF inducibility was found. The untrained horses displayed a significant difference in the AF complexity when comparing right and left atria, whereas such difference was not observed in the trained animals. No evidence of increased structural remodeling or inflammation could be identified. Left atrial dimensions were not significantly increased. The increased AF sustainability in trained horses was not related to fibrosis or inflammation as seen in other animal exercise models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Carstensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegaard Allé 5, 2630, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Sarah Dalgas Nissen
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arnela Saljic
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Melis Hesselkilde
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mathias Hohl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Stefan Michael Sattler
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Fløgstad
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegaard Allé 5, 2630, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Hopster-Iversen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegaard Allé 5, 2630, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Michael Böhm
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Jespersen
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Buhl
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegaard Allé 5, 2630, Taastrup, Denmark
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Hon A, Hsu JJ, Zambrano A, Xia Y, Lu M, Echeverri D, Kalanski S, Umar S, Demer LL, Tintut Y. Effects of activity levels on aortic calcification in hyperlipidemic mice as measured by microPETmicroCT. Atherosclerosis 2023; 380:117198. [PMID: 37579593 PMCID: PMC11146201 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117198] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular disease risk is associated with coronary artery calcification and is mitigated by regular exercise. Paradoxically, elite endurance athletes, who have low risk, are likely to have more coronary calcification, raising questions about the optimal level of activity. METHODS Female hyperlipidemic (Apoe-/-) mice with baseline aortic calcification were subjected to high-speed (18.5 m/min), low-speed (12.5 m/min), or no treadmill exercise for 9 weeks. 18F-NaF microPET/CT images were acquired at weeks 0 and 9, and echocardiography was performed at week 9. RESULTS In controls, aortic calcium content and density increased significantly. Exercise regimens did not alter the time-dependent increase in content, but the increase in mean density was blunted. Interestingly, the low-speed regimen significantly reduced 18F-NaF uptake, a marker of surface area. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was lower while LV diameter was greater in the low-speed group compared with controls or the high-speed group. In the low-speed group, vertebral bone density by CT decreased significantly, contrary to expectations. Male hyperlipidemic (Apoe-/-) mice were fed a Western diet and also subjected to low-speed or no exercise followed by imaging at weeks 0 and 9. In males, exercise also did not alter the time-dependent increase in aortic calcification. Exercise did not affect 18F-NaF uptake or bone mineral density, but it blunted the diet-induced LV hypertrophy seen in controls. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that, in mice, exercise has differential effects on aortic calcification, cardiac function, and skeletal bone mineral density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Hon
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Hsu
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles HealthCare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Angelica Zambrano
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Yuxuan Xia
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mimi Lu
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Echeverri
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Kalanski
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Soban Umar
- Departments of Anesthesiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Linda L Demer
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yin Tintut
- Departments of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles HealthCare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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6
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Ragab H, Lund GK, Breitsprecher L, Sinn MR, Muellerleile K, Cavus E, Stehning C, Tahir E, Blankenberg S, Patten M, Pressler A, Adam G, Avanesov M. Prevalence and pattern of focal and potential diffuse myocardial fibrosis in male and female marathon runners using contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:4648-4656. [PMID: 36683089 PMCID: PMC10289973 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09416-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the prevalence and pattern of focal and potential diffuse myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and extracellular volume (ECV) imaging in male and female marathon runners using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS Seventy-four marathon runners were studied including 55 males (44 ± 8 years) and 19 females (36 ± 7 years) and compared to 36 controls with similar age and sex using contrast-enhanced CMR, exercise testing, and blood samples. RESULTS Contrast-enhanced CMR revealed focal myocardial fibrosis in 8 of 74 runners (11%). The majority of runners were male (7 of 8, 88%). LGE was typically non-ischemic in 7 of 8 runners (88%) and ischemic in one runner. ECV was higher in remote myocardium without LGE in male runners (25.5 ± 2.3%) compared to male controls (24.0 ± 3.0%, p < 0.05), indicating the potential presence of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. LV mass was higher in LGE + males (86 ± 18 g/m2) compared to LGE- males (73 ± 14 g/m2, p < 0.05). Furthermore, LGE + males had lower weight (69 ± 9 vs 77 ± 9 kg, p < 0.05) and shorter best marathon finishing times (3.2 ± 0.3 h) compared to LGE- males (3.6 ± 0.4 h, p < 0.05) suggesting higher training load in these runners to accomplish the marathon in a short time. CONCLUSION The high frequency of non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis in LGE + male runners can be related to increased LV mass in these runners. Furthermore, a higher training load could explain the higher LV mass and could be one additional cofactor in the genesis of myocardial fibrosis in marathon runners. KEY POINTS • A high frequency of myocardial fibrosis was found in marathon runners. • Myocardial fibrosis occurred typically in male runners and was typically non-ischemic. • Higher training load could be one cofactor in the genesis of myocardial fibrosis in marathon runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haissam Ragab
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar K Lund
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Lynn Breitsprecher
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin R Sinn
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kai Muellerleile
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ersin Cavus
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Enver Tahir
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Monica Patten
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Axel Pressler
- Private Center for Sports and Exercise Cardiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Avanesov
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Maceira A, Valenzuela PL, Santos-Lozano A, García-González MP, Ortega LH, Díaz-Gonzalez L, Boraita A, Barranco-Gil D, Lucia A. Myocardial Fibrosis and Coronary Calcifications Caused by Endurance Exercise? Insights from Former Professional Cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:151-157. [PMID: 36136597 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the prevalence of myocardial fibrosis and coronary calcification in individuals who have performed very high levels of strenuous endurance exercise (SEE; former male professional cyclists) and sex/age-matched controls. METHODS We used a retrospective cohort study design, where cases were former finishers of ≥1 Grand Tour (Tour de France, Giro d' Italia or Vuelta a España) and controls were untrained individuals free of cardiovascular risk. All participants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computer tomography in the same center during years 2020-2021 to detect myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement) and to quantify coronary calcium, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-three cases (age, 46 ± 6 yr) and 59 controls (47 ± 7 yr) were studied. Fibrotic patches were evidenced only in the left ventricle, with a higher prevalence in cases (23% vs 2% in controls, P = 0.006). However, fibrotic tissue was nonischemic and of low extension (0.6% ± 0.4% of left ventricle mass), and no significant differences were found between cases and controls for native T1 or T2 values. No between-group differences were found for coronary calcium indicators, including Agatston or density scores. Subanalyses revealed no differences attending to whether cases were still performing regular SEE ( n = 8) or not ( n = 15) after professional retirement. CONCLUSIONS Although former professional cyclists seemed to show a greater prevalence of myocardial fibrosis, the extension of fibrotic tissue was minimal and no alterations were found in coronary calcification indicators. While keeping in mind the low sample size of the cases' group, our results do not support evidence for major cardiac maladaptations with long-term exposure to SEE, at least in middle-age adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ("imas12," PaHerg group), Madrid, SPAIN
| | | | | | | | | | - Araceli Boraita
- Department of Cardiology, Sports Medicine Center, Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sports, Madrid, SPAIN
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8
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Left ventricular diastolic filling patterns in competitive triathletes with and without myocardial fibrosis by cardiac magnetic resonance time-volume analysis. Eur J Radiol 2023; 158:110615. [PMID: 36434969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110615] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the influence of myocardial fibrosis on left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling patterns in triathletes compared to sedentary controls by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. METHOD 101 male triathletes (43 ± 11 years) and 28 controls (41 ± 10 years) were recruited and underwent 1.5 T CMR including cine SSFP series, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging and T1 mapping. Functional and morphological parameters were obtained, and CMR-based LV diastolic filling parameters such as the early peak-filling rate (EPFR), atrial peak-filling rate (APFR) and peak-filling rate ratio (PFRR = EPFR/APFR) were determined by time-volume analysis of the cine series. RESULTS Non-ischemic LGE was detected in 20 triathletes (20 %) and in none of the controls. Compared to controls LGE-negative (LGE-) triathletes showed similar EPFR (216 ± 58 ml/s/m2 vs 224 ± 69 ml/s/m2, P = 0.52) but lower APFR (120 ± 46 ml/s/m2 vs 147 ± 55 ml/s/m2, P < 0.05), resulting in higher PFRR (2.1 ± 1 vs 1.6 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). LGE-positive (LGE + ) triathletes had similar EPFR (212 ± 73 ml/s/m2, P = 0.798), but higher APFR (149 ± 50 ml/s/m2, P < 0.05) and decreased PFRR (1.6 ± 0.7, P < 0.05) compared to LGE- triathletes. LGE + triathletes had increased LV mass index (88 ± 10 g/m2 vs 80 ± 12 g/m2, P < 0.01) and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction (26.2 ± 2.7 % vs 24.4 ± 1.7 %, P < 0.001) compared to LGE- triathletes. CONCLUSIONS Athletic activity leads to "supernormal" LV diastolic filling pattern in LGE- triathletes, which may be attributable to increased LV myocardial flexibility and elasticity. However, LGE + triathletes demonstrate a pseudo-normalization characterized by compensatory increase of atrial contraction. Possibly, due to reduced passive elasticity associated myocardial fibrosis.
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9
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Valenzuela PL, Baggish A, Castillo-García A, Santos-Lozano A, Boraita A, Lucia A. Strenuous Endurance Exercise and the Heart: Physiological versus Pathological Adaptations. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4067-4085. [PMID: 35950659 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although the benefits of regular physical activity on cardiovascular health are well established, the effects of strenuous endurance exercise (SEE) have been a matter of debate since ancient times. In this article, we aim to provide a balanced overview of what is known about SEE and the heart-from epidemiological evidence to recent cardiac imaging findings. Lifelong SEE is overall cardioprotective, with endurance master athletes showing in fact a youthful heart. Yet, some lines of research remain open, such as the need to elucidate the time-course and potential relevance of transient declines in heart function (or increases in biomarkers of cardiac injury) with SEE. The underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of SEE-associated atrial fibrillation, myocardial fibrosis, or high coronary artery calcium scores also remain to be elucidated. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-19, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group ('PaHerg'), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adrián Castillo-García
- Fissac - Physiology, Health and Physical Activity, Madrid, Spain.,Biology Systems Department, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group ('PaHerg'), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), Madrid, Spain.,i+HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Araceli Boraita
- Department of Cardiology, Sports Medicine Center, Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sports, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group ('PaHerg'), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Ricci F, Aquaro GD, De Innocentiis C, Rossi S, Mantini C, Longo F, Khanji MY, Gallina S, Pingitore A. Exercise-induced myocardial edema in master triathletes: Insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:908619. [PMID: 35983187 PMCID: PMC9378862 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.908619] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strenuous exercise has been associated with functional and structural cardiac changes due to local and systemic inflammatory responses, reflecting oxidative, metabolic, hormonal, and thermal stress, even in healthy individuals. We aimed to assess changes in myocardial structure and function using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in master triathletes early after a full-distance Ironman Triathlon race. Materials and methods Ten master triathletes (age 45 ± 8 years) underwent CMR within 3 h after a full-distance Ironman Triathlon race (3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and 42.2 km running) completed with a mean time of 12 ± 1 h. All the triathletes had a 30-day follow-up CMR. Cine balanced steady-state free precession, T2-short tau inversion recovery (STIR), tagging, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging sequences were performed on a 1.5-T MR scanner. Myocardial edema was defined as a region with increased T2 signal intensity (SI) of at least two SDs above the mean of the normal myocardium. The extent of myocardial edema was expressed as the percentage of left ventricular (LV) mass. Analysis of LV strain and torsion by tissue tagging included the assessment of radial, longitudinal, and circumferential peak systolic strain, rotation, and twist. Results Compared with postrace, biventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and LV mass index remained unchanged at 30-day follow-up. Global T2 SI was significantly higher in the postrace CMR (postrace 10.5 ± 6% vs. follow-up 3.9 ± 3.8%, P = 0.004) and presented with a relative apical sparing distribution (P < 0.001) matched by reduction of radial peak systolic strain of basal segments (P = 0.003). Apical rotation and twist were significantly higher immediately after the competition compared with follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion Strenuous exercise in master triathletes is associated with a reversible regional increase in myocardial edema and reduction of radial peak systolic strain, both presenting with a relative apical sparing pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Fabrizio Ricci,
| | | | - Carlo De Innocentiis
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Rossi
- Interventional Cath Lab, ASL 2 Abruzzo, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cesare Mantini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Mohammed Y. Khanji
- Newham University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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11
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Gluckman TJ, Bhave NM, Allen LA, Chung EH, Spatz ES, Ammirati E, Baggish AL, Bozkurt B, Cornwell WK, Harmon KG, Kim JH, Lala A, Levine BD, Martinez MW, Onuma O, Phelan D, Puntmann VO, Rajpal S, Taub PR, Verma AK. 2022 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Cardiovascular Sequelae of COVID-19 in Adults: Myocarditis and Other Myocardial Involvement, Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, and Return to Play. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 79:1717-1756. [PMID: 35307156 PMCID: PMC8926109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Androulakis E, Mouselimis D, Tsarouchas A, Antonopoulos A, Bakogiannis C, Papagkikas P, Vlachopoulos C. The Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Myocardial Fibrosis in Young and Veteran Athletes: Insights From a Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:784474. [PMID: 34993239 PMCID: PMC8724053 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.784474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) combined with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has revealed a non-negligible increased incidence of myocardial fibrosis (MF) in athletes compared to healthy sedentary controls. Objective: The aim of this systematic research and meta-analysis is to investigate and present our perspective regarding CMR indices in athletes compared to sedentary controls, including T1 values, myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) and positive LGE indicative of non-specific fibrosis, also to discuss the differences between young and veteran athletes. Methods: The protocol included searching, up to October 2021, of MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases for original studies assessing fibrosis via CMR in athletes. A mean age of 40 years differentiated studies' athletic populations to veteran and young. Results: The research yielded 14 studies including in total 1,312 individuals. There was a statistically significant difference in LGE fibrosis between the 118/759 athletes and 16/553 controls (Z = 5.2, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%, PI = 0.45). Notably, LGE fibrosis differed significantly between 546 (14.6%) veteran and 140 (25.7%) young athletes (P = 0.002). At 1.5T, T1 values differed between 117 athletes and 48 controls (P < 0.0001). A statistically significant difference was also shown at 3T (110 athletes vs. 41 controls, P = 0.0004), as well as when pooling both 1.5T and 3T populations (P < 0.00001). Mean ECV showed no statistically significant difference between these groups. Conclusions: Based on currently available data, we reported that overall LGE based non-specific fibrosis and T1 values differ between athletes and sedentary controls, in contrast to ECV values. Age of athletes seems to have impact on the incidence of MF. Future prospective studies should focus on the investigation of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Androulakis
- Royal Brompton Hospital, Imaging Centre, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitrios Mouselimis
- Third Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasios Tsarouchas
- Third Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexios Antonopoulos
- Unit of Inherited Cardiac Conditions, First Cardiology Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Papagkikas
- Royal Brompton Hospital, Imaging Centre, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- Unit of Inherited Cardiac Conditions, First Cardiology Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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13
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Absence of cardiac damage induced by long-term intensive endurance exercise training: A cardiac magnetic resonance and exercise echocardiography analysis in masters athletes. Am J Prev Cardiol 2021; 7:100196. [PMID: 34611636 PMCID: PMC8387285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endurance long-term high level of training induces significant cardiac remodelling involving all cardiac chambers, also known as ‘athletes-heart”. Both left and right ventricular longitudinal strain increases significantly at exercise. Cardiac extracellular volume is normal in master athletes and there is no evidence of cardiac fibrosis induced by long term endurance training in master athletes. There is no evidence of cardiac damage induced by intensive endurance training in healthy asymptomatic master athletes.
Objectives It is under debate whether the long-term practice of intensive endurance exercise induces chronic cardiac damage such as myocardial fibrosis and ventricle contractile dysfunction. Multimodality analysis was performed to evaluate myocardial damage induced by long term intensive endurance training in master athletes. Methods Thirty-three asymptomatic endurance master athletes (47 ± 6 year-old, 9,6 ± 1,7 h training/week for 26 ± 6 years), were compared to 18 sedentary controls (49 ± 7 year-old). They underwent a CMR protocol including 4 chambers morphological and late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) analysis, left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) T1 mapping and calculation of cardiac extracellular volume (ECV). A maximal exercise echocardiography with left and right ventricular longitudinal global strain (LGS) analysis was performed. Cardiac biomarkers of fibrosis (high sensitive cardiac Troponin T, N-Terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I and N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III) were analysed. Results Athletes had larger left and right atrial volume, LV and RV end diastolic volume and increased LV and RV mass compared to controls. LGE was not found in athletes. Native T1 values of LV and RV were not significantly different in athletes compared with controls. ECV was normal in both groups (21,5%± 1,6% [18.3 – 23%] in athletes, 22%± 2,2% [18.5 – 27%] in controls). LV and RV peak exercise LGS values were higher in athletes. Cardiac biomarkers levels were normal. Conclusion Despite significant physiological cardiac remodelling, consistent with previous descriptions of athlete's heart, there was no evidence of myocardial fibrosis or exercise left or right ventricular dysfunction or cardiac fibrosis in endurance athletes. Our results are not supporting the hypothesis of deleterious cardiac effects induced by long term and intensive endurance exercise training.
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14
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Physical Exercise and Cardiac Repair: The Potential Role of Nitric Oxide in Boosting Stem Cell Regenerative Biology. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071002. [PMID: 34201562 PMCID: PMC8300666 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years strong evidence has been accumulated showing that aerobic physical exercise exerts beneficial effects on the prevention and reduction of cardiovascular risk. Exercise in healthy subjects fosters physiological remodeling of the adult heart. Concurrently, physical training can significantly slow-down or even reverse the maladaptive pathologic cardiac remodeling in cardiac diseases, improving heart function. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of the beneficial effects of physical exercise on the heart are still a subject of intensive study. Aerobic activity increases cardiovascular nitric oxide (NO) released mainly through nitric oxidase synthase 3 activity, promoting endothelium-dependent vasodilation, reducing vascular resistance, and lowering blood pressure. On the reverse, an imbalance between increasing free radical production and decreased NO generation characterizes pathologic remodeling, which has been termed the “nitroso-redox imbalance”. Besides these classical evidence on the role of NO in cardiac physiology and pathology, accumulating data show that NO regulate different aspects of stem cell biology, including survival, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion of pro-regenerative factors. Concurrently, it has been shown that physical exercise generates physiological remodeling while antagonizes pathologic remodeling also by fostering cardiac regeneration, including new cardiomyocyte formation. This review is therefore focused on the possible link between physical exercise, NO, and stem cell biology in the cardiac regenerative/reparative response to physiological or pathological load. Cellular and molecular mechanisms that generate an exercise-induced cardioprotective phenotype are discussed in regards with myocardial repair and regeneration. Aerobic training can benefit cells implicated in cardiovascular homeostasis and response to damage by NO-mediated pathways that protect stem cells in the hostile environment, enhance their activation and differentiation and, in turn, translate to more efficient myocardial tissue regeneration. Moreover, stem cell preconditioning by and/or local potentiation of NO signaling can be envisioned as promising approaches to improve the post-transplantation stem cell survival and the efficacy of cardiac stem cell therapy.
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15
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Kim JH, Levine BD, Phelan D, Emery MS, Martinez MW, Chung EH, Thompson PD, Baggish AL. Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Athletic Heart: Emerging Perspectives on Pathology, Risks, and Return to Play. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:219-227. [PMID: 33104154 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2020.5890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Importance Cardiac injury with attendant negative prognostic implications is common among patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Whether cardiac injury, including myocarditis, also occurs with asymptomatic or mild-severity COVID-19 infection is uncertain. There is an ongoing concern about COVID-19-associated cardiac pathology among athletes because myocarditis is an important cause of sudden cardiac death during exercise. Observations Prior to relaxation of stay-at-home orders in the US, the American College of Cardiology's Sports and Exercise Cardiology Section endorsed empirical consensus recommendations advising a conservative return-to-play approach, including cardiac risk stratification, for athletes in competitive sports who have recovered from COVID-19. Emerging observational data coupled with widely publicized reports of athletes in competitive sports with reported COVID-19-associated cardiac pathology suggest that myocardial injury may occur in cases of COVID-19 that are asymptomatic and of mild severity. In the absence of definitive data, there is ongoing uncertainty about the optimal approach to cardiovascular risk stratification of athletes in competitive sports following COVID-19 infection. Conclusions and Relevance This report was designed to address the most common questions regarding COVID-19 and cardiac pathology in athletes in competitive sports, including the extension of return-to-play considerations to discrete populations of athletes not addressed in prior recommendations. Multicenter registry data documenting cardiovascular outcomes among athletes in competitive sports who have recovered from COVID-19 are currently being collected to determine the prevalence, severity, and clinical relevance of COVID-19-associated cardiac pathology and efficacy of targeted cardiovascular risk stratification. While we await these critical data, early experiences in the clinical oversight of athletes following COVID-19 infection provide an opportunity to address key areas of uncertainty relevant to cardiology and sports medicine practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Kim
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas, Dallas.,The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Dermot Phelan
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Michael S Emery
- Sports Cardiology Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Mathew W Martinez
- Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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16
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Richard NA, Hodges L, Koehle MS. Elevated peak systolic blood pressure in endurance-trained athletes: Physiology or pathology? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:956-966. [PMID: 33382462 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Blood pressure is a function of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. During graded exercise testing (GXT), systolic blood pressure (SBP) is expected to increase gradually along with work rate, oxygen consumption, heart rate, and cardiac output. Individuals exposed to chronic endurance training attain a greater exercise SBP than in their untrained state and sedentary counterparts, but it is currently unknown what is considered a safe upper limit. This review discusses key studies examining blood pressure response in sedentary individuals and athletes. We highlight the physiological characteristics of highly fit individuals in terms of cardiovascular physiology and exercise blood pressure and review the state of the current literature regarding the safety of high SBP during exercise in this particular subgroup. Findings from this review indicate that a consensus on what is a normal SBP response to exercise in highly fit subjects and direct causation linking high GXT SBP to pathology is lacking. Consequently, applying GXT SBP guidelines developed for a "normal" population to endurance-trained individuals appears unsupported at this time. Lack of evidence for poor outcomes leads us to infer that elevated peak SBP in this subgroup could more likely reflect an adaptive response to training, rather than a pathological outcome. Future studies should track clinical outcomes of those achieving elevated SBP and develop athlete-specific guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynette Hodges
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Michael S Koehle
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Division of Sports Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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17
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Mehta A, Kondamudi N, Laukkanen JA, Wisloff U, Franklin BA, Arena R, Lavie CJ, Pandey A. Running away from cardiovascular disease at the right speed: The impact of aerobic physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiovascular disease risk and associated subclinical phenotypes. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:762-774. [PMID: 33189764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Higher levels of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with lower risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship of aerobic PA and CRF with risk of atherosclerotic CVD outcomes and heart failure (HF) seem to be distinct. Furthermore, recent studies have raised concerns of potential toxicity associated with extreme levels of aerobic exercise, with higher levels of coronary artery calcium and incident atrial fibrillation noted among individuals with very high PA levels. In contrast, the relationship between PA levels and measures of left ventricular structure and function and risk of HF is more linear. Thus, personalizing exercise levels to optimal doses may be key to achieving beneficial outcomes and preventing adverse CVD events among high risk individuals. In this report, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the associations of aerobic PA and CRF levels with risk of adverse CVD outcomes and the preceding subclinical cardiac phenotypes to better characterize the optimal exercise dose needed to favorably modify CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Mehta
- Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nitin Kondamudi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jari A Laukkanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Ulrik Wisloff
- K. G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Barry A Franklin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School - The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ambarish Pandey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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18
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Zhang CD, Xu SL, Wang XY, Tao LY, Zhao W, Gao W. Prevalence of Myocardial Fibrosis in Intensive Endurance Training Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:585692. [PMID: 33102537 PMCID: PMC7545401 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.585692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To review the published literature reporting on the incidence of myocardial fibrosis (MF) in high-intensity endurance athletes measured by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) were searched to obtain case cohort studies published before November 10, 2019. From 96 abstracts or reports extracted, 18 full-text articles were reviewed. The incidence of LGE was reported as outcome measures. Subgroup analysis was performed by age (under or above 50 years). Pooled estimates were obtained using a fixed-effects model. Results: After a full-text assessment, 12 studies involving 1,359 participants were included for analysis. Among them, 163/772 participants in the endurance athletes group showed LGE positive, compared with 19/587 participants in the comparison group. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that the prevalence of LGE was higher in the athletes group with long-term endurance exercise (OR 7.20;95%CI: 4.51-11.49). In addition, the same conclusion was drawn after the stratification of age. Conclusions: The available evidence demonstrates that high-intensity endurance athletes is associated with an increased incidence of LGE positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Duo Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shun-Lin Xu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Yuan Tao
- Department of Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Gao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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19
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Yeo TJ, Ling LH, Lam CSP, Chong JPC, Liew OW, Teo ZL, Gong L, Richards AM, Chan MY. Cardiac and renal biomarkers in recreational runners following a 21 km treadmill run. Clin Cardiol 2020; 43:1443-1449. [PMID: 32881035 PMCID: PMC7724216 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Highly trained athletes running 42 km or more demonstrate elevated cardiac biomarkers, ventricular dysfunction, and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Whether similar changes occur in the much larger population of recreational runners following half‐marathon distance running is unclear. Hypothesis Recreational runners exhibit changes in myocardial and renal biomarkers, including ventricular strain, after a half‐marathon treadmill run. Methods 10 recreational subjects (mean age 36.5 ± 6.5 years) ran 21 km on a treadmill (mean completion time 121.6 ± 16.1 minutes). Serum high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), amino‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured prior to, 1 hour post‐, and 24 hours post‐exercise. Pre‐ and post‐exercise echocardiograms were performed. Results All biomarkers increased 1 hour post‐exercise: hsTnT by 8.5 ± 8.5 pg/ml (P < .05), NT‐ProBNP by 26.2 ± 22.8 pg/ml (P < .05) and NGAL by 29.5 ± 37.7 ng/ml (P=NS). By 24 hours post‐run, these biomarkers declined toward baseline levels. Right ventricle (RV) free wall and left ventricle global longitudinal strain decreased by 5.5% and 1.8%, respectively (P < .001). Changes in NGAL correlated well with changes in serum creatinine (R = 0.79, P < .01) and GFR (R = −0.73, P < .05). Faster 21 km completion times, and a larger reduction in post‐exercise RV strain, were associated with higher NGAL levels: (R = −0.75, P = .01) and (R = 0.66, P < .05), respectively. Conclusion A 21 km run in recreational runners is associated with transient ventricular stunning and reversible changes in myocardial and renal biomarkers. Whether repeated bouts of similar activity contributes to chronic cardiac or kidney dysfunction deserves further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tee Joo Yeo
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lieng H Ling
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carolyn Su Ping Lam
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jenny Pek Ching Chong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Oi Wah Liew
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhen Long Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingli Gong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark Y Chan
- Cardiac Department, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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20
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Kaleta-Duss AM, Lewicka-Potocka Z, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A, Raczak G, Lewicka E. Myocardial Injury and Overload among Amateur Marathoners as Indicated by Changes in Concentrations of Cardiovascular Biomarkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176191. [PMID: 32859020 PMCID: PMC7503477 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marathons continue to grow in popularity among amateurs. However, the impact of intensive exercise on the amateur's cardiovascular system has not yet been studied. Analysis of the influence of the marathon on kinetics of biomarkers reflecting cardiac injury and overload may bring new insights into this issue. We investigated the effect of running a marathon on the concentrations of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and galectin 3 (Gal-3) in the population of male amateur runners. The study included 35 amateur marathoners and followed 3 stages: S1-two weeks prior to the marathon, S2-at the finish line and S3-two weeks after. Blood samples were collected at each stage and analyzed for biomarkers and laboratory parameters. Concentrations of all studied biomarkers were significantly higher at S2, whereas at S3 did not differ significantly compared to S1. Running a marathon by an amateur causes an acute rise in biomarkers of cardiac injury and stress. Whether repetitive bouts of intensive exercise elicit long-term adverse cardiovascular effects in amateur marathoners needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Kaleta-Duss
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.M.K.-D.); (Z.L.-P.); (A.D.-K.); (G.R.)
| | - Zuzanna Lewicka-Potocka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.M.K.-D.); (Z.L.-P.); (A.D.-K.); (G.R.)
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alicja Dąbrowska-Kugacka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.M.K.-D.); (Z.L.-P.); (A.D.-K.); (G.R.)
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.M.K.-D.); (Z.L.-P.); (A.D.-K.); (G.R.)
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.M.K.-D.); (Z.L.-P.); (A.D.-K.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-608670152
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21
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Stavroulakis GA, George KP. Exercise-induced release of troponin. Clin Cardiol 2020; 43:872-881. [PMID: 31975465 PMCID: PMC7403670 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that regular physical activity reduces cardiovascular disease risk; however, numerous studies have demonstrated postexercise elevations in cardiac troponin (cTn), indicative of cardiac injury in apparently healthy individuals. The prevalence of these findings in different exercise settings and population groups, as well as potential underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of exercise-induced cTn release are not yet quite determined. The present review will discuss the cTn response to exercise in light of developing cTn assays and the correlation between postexercise cTn release and cardiac function. Additionally, recent data regarding the potential link between strenuous endurance exercise and its relationship with unfavorable cardiac effects in athletes, as well as the management of patients presenting at emergency care after sport events will be briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith P. George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
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22
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Churchill TW, Baggish AL. Cardiovascular Care of Masters Athletes. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2020; 13:313-321. [PMID: 32189198 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-020-09987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Masters athletes (MA), men and woman older than 35 years who participate in competitive athletics, is a rapidly growing population that is increasingly encountered in clinical cardiovascular practice. Although the high levels of exercise typically performed by MA confer numerous health advantages, no amount of exercise confers complete immunity from cardiovascular disease. The review was written to cover the clinical management of MA with cardiovascular disease. Focus is dedicated to four of the most common clinical scenarios including atrial fibrillation, myocardial fibrosis, coronary artery disease, and dilation of the ascending aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Churchill
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Yawkey Suite 5B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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23
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Franklin BA, Thompson PD, Al-Zaiti SS, Albert CM, Hivert MF, Levine BD, Lobelo F, Madan K, Sharrief AZ, Eijsvogels TMH. Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following Long-Term Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective-An Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2020; 141:e705-e736. [PMID: 32100573 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and biological plausibility studies support a cause-and-effect relationship between increased levels of physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced coronary heart disease events. These data, plus the well-documented anti-aging effects of exercise, have likely contributed to the escalating numbers of adults who have embraced the notion that "more exercise is better." As a result, worldwide participation in endurance training, competitive long distance endurance events, and high-intensity interval training has increased markedly since the previous American Heart Association statement on exercise risk. On the other hand, vigorous physical activity, particularly when performed by unfit individuals, can acutely increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction in susceptible people. Recent studies have also shown that large exercise volumes and vigorous intensities are both associated with potential cardiac maladaptations, including accelerated coronary artery calcification, exercise-induced cardiac biomarker release, myocardial fibrosis, and atrial fibrillation. The relationship between these maladaptive responses and physical activity often forms a U- or reverse J-shaped dose-response curve. This scientific statement discusses the cardiovascular and health implications for moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as high-volume, high-intensity exercise regimens, based on current understanding of the associated risks and benefits. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals with updated information to advise patients on appropriate preparticipation screening and the benefits and risks of physical activity or physical exertion in varied environments and during competitive events.
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24
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Hu S, Liu H, Hu Z, Li L, Yang Y. Follistatin-like 1: A dual regulator that promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5893-5902. [PMID: 32017077 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a key factor in maintaining cardiac growth and development. It can be activated by exercise training and has a dual role in promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis, but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. To elucidate the dual mechanism and target of FSTL1 regulating of cardiomyocyte proliferation and myocardial fibrosis, and the mechanism by which exercise-regulated FSTL1 improves cardiovascular disease, we explored the signal transduction pathway of FSTL1 promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis, and compared the effects of different modes of exercise on the dual role of FSTL1. We believe that the dual role of promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis may be related to the ratio of cardiomyocyte and myocardial interstitial cell proliferation, different stages of the disease, different degrees of fibrosis, immune repair process, and transforming growth factor-β activation. Compared with long-term excessive endurance exercise, moderate resistance exercise can activate cardiomyocyte proliferation pathway through FSTL1, which is one of the effective ways to prevent cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Hu
- Graduate School, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China.,School of Sports Art, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Liu
- College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixi Hu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Li
- Institute of Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
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25
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Caruso MR, Garg L, Martinez MW. Cardiac Imaging in the Athlete: Shrinking the "Gray Zone". CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2020; 22:5. [PMID: 32016641 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-020-0802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review will explore frequently encountered diagnostic challenges and summarize the role cardiac imaging plays in defining the boundaries of what constitutes the athlete's heart syndrome versus pathology. RECENT FINDINGS Investigations have predominantly focused on differentiating the athlete's heart from potentially lethal pathological conditions that may produce a similar cardiac morphology. Guidelines have identified criteria for identifying definitive pathology, but difficulty arises when individuals fall in the gray zone of expected athletic remodeling and pathology. Transthoracic echo has traditionally been the imaging modality of choice utilizing parameters such as wall thickness, wall:volume ratio, and certain diastolic parameters. Newer echocardiogram techniques such as strain imaging and speckle tracking have potential additive utility but still need further investigation. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as an additive technique to help differentiate the phenotypic overlap between these groups. Utilizing gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping along with its excellent spatial resolution can help distinguish pathology from physiology. Both established and novel cardiac imaging modalities have been used for uncovering the at risk athletes with cardiomyopathies. The issue is of practical importance because athletes are frequently referred to the cardiologist with symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, presyncope, and/or syncope concerned about the safety of their future participation. Imaging is a key component of risk stratification and identifying normal findings of the developed athlete and those "at-risk" athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario R Caruso
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, 18103, USA
| | - Lohit Garg
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, 18103, USA
| | - Matthew W Martinez
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Atlantic Health, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ, 07960, USA. .,Sports Cardiology and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, 111 S Madison Ave, Suite 300, Morristown, NJ, 07960, USA.
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26
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Schafnitzel A, Lorbeer R, Bayerl C, Patscheider H, Auweter SD, Meisinger C, Heier M, Ertl-Wagner B, Reiser M, Peters A, Bamberg F, Hetterich H. Association of smoking and physical inactivity with MRI derived changes in cardiac function and structure in cardiovascular healthy subjects. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18616. [PMID: 31819090 PMCID: PMC6901589 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54956-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the association of smoking and physical exercise on ventricular function and structure, determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), in subjects without known cardiovascular diseases. A total of 381 participants (median age 57 years) of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) FF4 cohort underwent CMR. The participants' smoking and sporting habits were measured by a questionnaire. Physical inactivity was associated with a reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF), stroke volume, early diastolic peak filling rate and peak ejection rate of the left ventricle as well as right ventricular stroke volume. LV-EF was reduced in subjects with almost no physical activity compared to subjects with regular physical activity (68.4%, 95%CI 66.8-70.1% vs. 70.8%, 95%CI 69.2-72.3%, p < 0,05). Smokers had lower right ventricular end-diastolic volumes (80.6 ml/m², 95%CI 76.7-84.5 ml/m²; never-smokers: 85.5 ml/m², 95%CI 82.6-88.3 ml/m²; p < 0.05) but higher extracellular volume fractions (ECV) and fibrosis volumes (34.3 ml, 95%CI 32.5-36.0 ml, vs. 31.0 ml, 95%CI 29.6-32.3 ml, p < 0.01). We conclude that asymptomatic individuals without known cardiovascular diseases show differences in cardiac function and structure depending on their physical activity and smoking habits. This underlines the importance of prevention and health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anina Schafnitzel
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Roberto Lorbeer
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Bayerl
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Patscheider
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigrid D Auweter
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christa Meisinger
- Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany.,UNIKA-T Augsburg, Neusaesser Str. 47, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Margit Heier
- Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Ertl-Wagner
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reiser
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Bamberg
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Holger Hetterich
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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27
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Tahir E, Starekova J, Muellerleile K, Freiwald E, von Stritzky A, Münch J, Avanesov M, Weinrich JM, Stehning C, Cavus E, Bohnen S, Radunski UK, Blankenberg S, Adam G, Simon P, Pressler A, Patten M, Lund GK. Impact of Myocardial Fibrosis on Left Ventricular Function Evaluated by Feature-Tracking Myocardial Strain Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Competitive Male Triathletes With Normal Ejection Fraction. Circ J 2019; 83:1553-1562. [PMID: 31080228 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-18-1388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze the effect of myocardial fibrosis on left ventricular (LV) function evaluated by feature-tracking strain analysis by cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in competitive male triathletes with normal ejection fraction (EF).Methods and Results:78 asymptomatic male triathletes with >10 weekly training hours (43±11 years) and 28 male age-matched controls were studied by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and cine CMR. Global and segmental radial, longitudinal and circumferential strains were analyzed using feature-tracking cine CMR. Focal non-ischemic LGE was observed in 15 of 78 triathletes (19%, LGE+) with predominance in the basal inferolateral segments. LVEF was normal in LGE+ (62±6%) and LGE- triathletes (62±5%, P=0.958). In contrast, global radial strain was lower in LGE+ triathletes at 40±7% compared with LGE- triathletes (45±7%, P<0.05). Reduced segmental radial strain occurred either in LGE+ segments or in directly adjacent segments. Strain analysis revealed regional differences in controls, with the highest radial and longitudinal strain in the inferolateral segments, which were typically affected by fibrosis in LGE+ triathletes. CONCLUSIONS Reduced global and regional radial strain suggests a negative effect of myocardial fibrosis on LV function in LGE+ triathletes with normal EF. The observed regional differences in controls with the highest radial and longitudinal strain in the inferolateral segments may explain the typical occurrence of fibrosis in this myocardial region in triathletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enver Tahir
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
| | - Jitka Starekova
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
| | - Kai Muellerleile
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Eric Freiwald
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
| | | | - Julia Münch
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Maxim Avanesov
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
| | - Julius Matthias Weinrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
| | | | - Ersin Cavus
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Sebastian Bohnen
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Ulf K Radunski
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
| | - Perikles Simon
- Department of Sports Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
| | - Axel Pressler
- Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München.,Center of Sports and Preventive Cardiology
| | - Monica Patten
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center
| | - Gunnar K Lund
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf
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28
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Ozemek C, Laddu DR, Lavie CJ, Claeys H, Kaminsky LA, Ross R, Wisloff U, Arena R, Blair SN. An Update on the Role of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Structured Exercise and Lifestyle Physical Activity in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease and Health Risk. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2018; 61:484-490. [PMID: 30445160 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular disease (CVD) pandemic has placed considerable strain on healthcare systems, quality of life, and physical function, while remaining the leading cause of death globally. Decades of scientific investigations have fortified the protective effects of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), exercise training, and physical activity (PA) against the development of CVD. This review will summarize recent efforts that have made significant strides in; 1) the application of novel analytic techniques to increase the predictive utility of CRF; 2) understanding the protective effects of long-term compliance to PA recommendations through large cohort studies with multiple points of assessment; 3) and understanding the potential harms associated with extreme volumes of PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Ozemek
- Department of Physical Therapy and the Integrative Physiology Laboratory, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Deepika R Laddu
- Department of Physical Therapy and the Integrative Physiology Laboratory, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School-University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hannah Claeys
- Department of Physical Therapy and the Integrative Physiology Laboratory, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard A Kaminsky
- Fisher Institute of Health and Well-Being, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Robert Ross
- Schoold of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; School of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ulrik Wisloff
- K. G. Jebsen Center of Exercise in Medicine at the Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; School of Human Movement & Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy and the Integrative Physiology Laboratory, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven N Blair
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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29
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Rao P, Hutter AM, Baggish AL. The Limits of Cardiac Performance: Can Too Much Exercise Damage the Heart? Am J Med 2018; 131:1279-1284. [PMID: 29958875 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Routine moderate-intensity physical activity confers numerous cardiovascular benefits and reduces all-cause mortality. However, the health impact of exercise doses that exceed contemporary physical activity guidelines remains incompletely understood, and an emerging body of literature suggests that high levels of exercise may have the capacity to damage the cardiovascular system. This review focuses on the contemporary controversies regarding high-dose exercise and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We discuss the limitations of available studies, explore potential mechanisms that may mediate exercise-related cardiac injury, and highlight the gaps in knowledge for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Rao
- Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson.
| | - Adolph M Hutter
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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30
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de Gregorio C, Di Nunzio D, Di Bella G. Athlete's Heart and Left Heart Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 29532331 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2018_176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity comprises all muscular activities that require energy expenditure. Regular sequence of structured and organized exercise with the specific purpose of improving wellness and athletic performance is defined as a sports activity.Exercise can be performed at various levels of intensity and duration. According to the social context and pathways, it can be recreational, occupational, and competitive. Therefore, the training burden varies inherently and the heart adaptation is challenging.Although a general agreement on the fact that sports practice leads to metabolic, functional and physical benefits, there is evidence that some athletes may be subjected to adverse outcomes. Sudden cardiac death can occur in apparently healthy individuals with unrecognized cardiovascular disease.Thus, panels of experts in sports medicine have promoted important pre-participation screening programmes aimed at determining sports eligibility and differentiating between physiological remodeling and cardiac disease.In this review, the most important pathophysiological and diagnostic issues are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Cardiology Unit, University Hospital Medical School "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy.
| | - Dalia Di Nunzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Cardiology Unit, University Hospital Medical School "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Cardiology Unit, University Hospital Medical School "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy
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31
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The "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis": Recent Findings and Cardiovascular Health Implications. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2018; 20:84. [PMID: 30155804 PMCID: PMC6132728 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-018-0674-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis" is characterized by a U-shaped or reverse J-shaped, dose-response curve between physical activity volumes and cardiovascular health outcomes. In this review, we summarize recent findings that may support or refute the "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis." Furthermore, we discuss potential cardiovascular health implications of the cardiac anatomical, structural, contractility, and biomarker abnormalities that have been reported in some veteran endurance athletes. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence from epidemiological studies and observations in cohorts of endurance athletes suggest that potentially adverse cardiovascular manifestations may occur following high-volume and/or high-intensity long-term exercise training, which may attenuate the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle. Accelerated coronary artery calcification, exercise-induced cardiac biomarker release, myocardial fibrosis, atrial fibrillation, and even higher risk of sudden cardiac death have been reported in athletes. There is primarily circumstantial evidence that supports the "Extreme Exercise Hypothesis." Subclinical and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as structural cardiovascular abnormalities and arrhythmias are present in some of the most active veteran endurance athletes and need appropriate clinical follow-up to reduce the risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Future studies are warranted to establish the long-term cardiovascular health effects of these findings in veteran endurance athletes.
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32
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Baggish AL. Focal Fibrosis in the Endurance Athlete's Heart: Running Scarred or Running Scared? JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 11:1271-1273. [PMID: 29248664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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33
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Tahir E, Starekova J, Muellerleile K, von Stritzky A, Münch J, Avanesov M, Weinrich JM, Stehning C, Bohnen S, Radunski UK, Freiwald E, Blankenberg S, Adam G, Pressler A, Patten M, Lund GK. Myocardial Fibrosis in Competitive Triathletes Detected by Contrast-Enhanced CMR Correlates With Exercise-Induced Hypertension and Competition History. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 11:1260-1270. [PMID: 29248656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the presence of myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in correlation with the performance of competitive triathletes objectified by an exercise test and individual competition history. BACKGROUND Myocardial fibrosis detected by LGE CMR has been reported to occur in 0% to 50% of asymptomatic athletes. However, the cause and mechanisms of myocardial fibrosis are unclear. METHODS Eighty-three asymptomatic triathletes undergoing >10 training h per week (43 ± 10 years of age; 65% male) and 36 sedentary controls were studied by using LGE and extracellular volume (ECV) CMR. Parameters of physical fitness were measured by spiroergometry. Triathletes reported their lifetime competition results. RESULTS LGE CMR revealed focal nonischemic myocardial fibrosis in 9 of 54 (17%) male triathletes (LGE+) but in none of the female triathletes (p < 0.05). LGE+ triathletes had higher peak exercise systolic blood pressure (213 ± 24 mm Hg) than LGE- triathletes (194 ± 26 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Furthermore, left ventricular mass index was higher in LGE+ triathletes (93 ± 7 g/m2) than in LGE- triathletes (84 ± 11 g/m2; p < 0.05). ECV in LGE- myocardium was higher in LGE+ triathletes (26.3 ± 1.8%) than in LGE- triathletes (24.4 ± 2.2%; p < 0.05). LGE+ triathletes completed longer cumulative distances in swimming and cycling races and participated more often in middle and Iron Man distances than LGE- triathletes. A cycling race distance of >1,880 km completed during competition had the highest accuracy to predict LGE, with an area under the curve value of 0.876 (p < 0.0001), resulting in high sensitivity (89%) and specificity (79%). Multivariate analysis identified peak exercise systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) and the swimming race distance (p < 0.01) as independent predictors of LGE presence. CONCLUSIONS Myocardial fibrosis in asymptomatic triathletes seems to be associated with exercise-induced hypertension and the race distances. There appears to be a safe upper limit, beyond which exercise may result in myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enver Tahir
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jitka Starekova
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kai Muellerleile
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra von Stritzky
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Münch
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Avanesov
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julius M Weinrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Bohnen
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulf K Radunski
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eric Freiwald
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Axel Pressler
- Department of Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Monica Patten
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar K Lund
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Churchill TW, Baggish AL. The Right Heart: Acute and Chronic Issues. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2017; 19:83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-017-0581-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Shave R, Oxborough D. Endurance Exercise and Myocardial Fibrosis: Let Us Keep the Risk in Perspective. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2016; 9:CIRCIMAGING.116.005730. [PMID: 27903548 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.116.005730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rob Shave
- From the Cardiff Centre for Exercise and Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (R.S.); and Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom (D.O.).
| | - David Oxborough
- From the Cardiff Centre for Exercise and Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom (R.S.); and Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom (D.O.)
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