Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Profile of Experienced Male Amateur Marathon Runners: A Systematic Review

Coronary Plaque in Athletes

The relationship between vigorous physical activity (PA) and the development of coronary atherosclerosis has remained less explored for many years. Recently, literature data have focused on coronary atherosclerosis in athletes showing that prevalence is not trivial, that there are differences among various types of sport, and that there are some peculiar features. As a matter of fact, plaque composition in athletes seems to be characterized by calcium rather than soft components. Specific mechanisms through which vigorous PA influences coronary artery disease are not yet fully understood. However, the prevalent calcific nature of coronary plaques in athletes could be related with a trend in a lower cardiovascular event rate.

Personality of marathon runners: a narrative review of recent findings

Participation in marathons has dramatically increased over the last few years. Marathon running has many proven beneficial effects, especially on cardiovascular health and fitness. Most research has focused on physiologic and pathophysiologic adaptations in connection with endurance exercise. Nevertheless, marathon running also has a major impact on psychological aspects and positively influences mental health, which has only recently attracted research interest. The present narrative review aimed to review the personality traits of marathon runners with an emphasis on recent literature. Marathon runners show a distinct personality and highly characteristic personality traits needed to successfully finish such a demanding race, i.e., a strong sense of vigor, self-sufficiency, and intelligence as well as low scores in anger, fatigue, tension, and depression. Furthermore, personality differences are detectable between runners of different sexes, ages, and performance level groups. This has significant clinical implications for athletes, coaches and competition organizers, as these groups show different patterns of personality traits. Future studies should focus on changes in cognition and mood states pre-, during, and post-endurance events, as well as during training periods. Large-scale studies comparing personality differences by sex, age, and performance are also important for better clinical guidance. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Study of Morpho-Functional Characteristics of the Cardiovascular System According to Electrocardiography, Phonocardiography, Echocardiography in Masters Athletics

Background

Many authors have noted the lack of knowledge on the causal relationship between the degree of physical activity, the dynamics, and outcomes of diseases, as well as the influence of sports history on the rehabilitation potential of former athletes.

Purpose

Assessment of the functional state of the cardiovascular system according to the indicators of electrocardiography, polycardiography, echocardiography and the level of physical performance in masters athletes.

Patients and Methods

The study included a main group consisting of 100 athletes, who had undergone electrocardiography, poly-electrocardiography, ultrasound echocardiography, heart rate and blood pressure measurement to determine their level of physical performance. The subjects were then divided into 2 groups. The first group included 75 people who continue to be active in regular sports activities. The second group consisted of 25 people who completely stopped training or had only occasional, unsystematic physical activities. A control group of 31 people, consisting of people of the same age who had not been involved in sports earlier, was examined according to the same program.

Results

The data obtained by us show that sports activities do contribute to the increasing stability of the body and maximize the deployment of the capabilities of the circulatory system, including their long-term preservation in masters athletic. Athletes who have stopped training have signs of age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels, which seem to be more frequent and earlier than those who continue training. A higher degree of myocardial contractility (in 90.67% of cases) can also be seen in the main group.

Conclusion

Masters athletes and those who stopped training after completing their sports career, should have notably thorough medical supervision and undergo regular annual in-depth examination.