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Augustine DX, Willis J, Sivalokanathan S, Wild C, Sharma A, Zaidi A, Pearce K, Stuart G, Papadakis M, Sharma S, Malhotra A. Right ventricular assessment of the adolescent footballer's heart. Echo Res Pract 2024; 11:7. [PMID: 38424646 PMCID: PMC10905853 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Athletic training can result in electrical and structural changes of the right ventricle that may mimic phenotypical features of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), such as T-wave inversion and right heart dilatation. An erroneous interpretation may have consequences ranging from false reassurance in an athlete vulnerable to cardiac arrhythmias, to unnecessary sports restriction in a healthy individual. The primary aim of this study was to define normal RV dimension reference ranges for academy adolescent footballers of different ethnicities. Secondary aims include analysis of potential overlap between this adolescent group with ARVC criteria and comparison with normal adult ranges. RESULTS Electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic data of 1087 academy male footballers aged between 13 and 18 years old (mean age 16.0 ± 0.5 years), attending mandatory cardiac screening were analysed. Ethnicity was categorised as white (n = 826), black (African/Caribbean; n = 166) and mixed-race (one parent white and one parent black; n = 95). Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy major criteria for T-wave inversion was seen in 3.3% of the cohort. This was more prevalent in black footballers (12%) when compared to mixed race footballers (6.3%) or white footballers (1%), P < 0.05. Up to 59% of the cohort exceeded adult reference ranges for some of the right ventricular parameters, although values were similar to those seen in adult footballers. There were no differences in right ventricular dimensions between ethnicities. In particular, the right ventricular outflow tract diameter would fulfil major criteria for ARVC dimension in 12% of footballers. Overall, 0.2% of the cohort would fulfil diagnosis for 'definite' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 2.2% would fulfil diagnosis for 'borderline' arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy for RV dimensions and ECG changes. This was seen more frequently in black footballers (9.9%) than mixed race footballers (3.9%) or white footballer (0.6%), P < 0.05. Among athletes meeting definite or borderline arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy criteria, no cardiomyopathy was identified after comprehensive clinical assessment, including with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, exercise testing, ambulatory electrocardiograms and familial evaluation. CONCLUSION Right heart sizes in excess of accepted adult ranges occurred in as many as one in two adolescent footballers. Structural adaptations in conjunction with anterior T-wave inversion may raise concern for ARVC, highlighting the need for evaluation in expert settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - J Willis
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - S Sivalokanathan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Wild
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - A Sharma
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St George's, University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Zaidi
- University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Pearce
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - G Stuart
- Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Papadakis
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Sharma
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Ashcroft SP, Stocks B, Egan B, Zierath JR. Exercise induces tissue-specific adaptations to enhance cardiometabolic health. Cell Metab 2024; 36:278-300. [PMID: 38183980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.008] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The risk associated with multiple cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality is decreased in individuals who meet the current recommendations for physical activity. Therefore, regular exercise remains a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. An acute bout of exercise results in the coordinated interaction between multiple tissues to meet the increased energy demand of exercise. Over time, the associated metabolic stress of each individual exercise bout provides the basis for long-term adaptations across tissues, including the cardiovascular system, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, gut, and brain. Therefore, regular exercise is associated with a plethora of benefits throughout the whole body, including improved cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and glycemic control. Overall, we summarize the exercise-induced adaptations that occur within multiple tissues and how they converge to ultimately improve cardiometabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Ashcroft
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ben Stocks
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brendan Egan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Juleen R Zierath
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Integrative Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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3
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Forsythe L, George K, Papadakis M, Mill N, Daniels M, Oxborough D. Seasonal variation of cardiac structure and function in the elite rugby football league athlete. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:16. [PMID: 37817231 PMCID: PMC10566089 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00026-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-participation cardiac screening (PCS) of "Super-League" rugby football league (RFL) athletes is mandatory but may be completed at any time point. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac electrical, structural and functional variation across the competitive season. METHODS Elite, male, RFL athletes from a single Super-League club underwent cardiac evaluation using electrocardiography (ECG), 2D echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) at four time points across the RFL season; (1) End pre-season (ENDPRE), (2) mid-season (MIDCOMP), (3) end-season (ENDCOMP) and (4) End off-season (ENDOFF). Training loads for each time point were also determined. One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Total workload undertaken by athletes was lower at both MIDCOMP and ENDCOMP compared to ENDPRE (P < 0.001). ECG patterns were normal with training-related changes that were largely consistent across assessments. Structural data did not vary across assessment points. Standard functional data was not different across assessment points but apical rotation and twist were higher at ENDPRE (9.83˚ and 16.55˚, respectively compared to all other time points (MIDCOMP, 6.13˚ and 12.62˚; ENDCOMP, 5.84˚ and 12.12˚; ENDOFF 6.60˚ and 12.35˚). CONCLUSIONS Despite some seasonal variation in training load, the athletes' ECG and cardiac structure were stable across a competitive season. Seasonal variation in left ventricular (LV) apical rotation and twist, associated with higher training loads, should be noted in the context of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Forsythe
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF UK
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Nathan Mill
- St Helens Rugby Football League Club, St Helens, UK
| | - Matt Daniels
- St Helens Rugby Football League Club, St Helens, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF UK
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4
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Falcioni L, Gallotta MC, Baldari C, Cardinali L, Campanella M, Ferrari D, Guidetti L, Meucci M. Influence of training status on cardiac and vascular functioning in young recreational and competitive male rowers. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1162594. [PMID: 37090920 PMCID: PMC10118033 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1162594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of training status on cardiovascular function in young male recreational and competitive rowers. Methods Ejection duration in percentage to the heart rate period (ED%), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), augmentation index at 75 bpm (AIx75) and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) of competitive rowers (CR) (age 17.6 ± 4.1 years), recreational rowers (RR) (age 16.7 ± 2.70 years) and athletes practicing other recreational sports (ORS) (age 15.3 ± 1.4 years) were assessed. Results ED% was lower in CR compared to ORS (31.9 ± 3.9% vs. 38.4 ± 4.8%; p = 0.026) and cf-PWV was higher in CR compared to ORS (5.5 ± 1.0 m/s vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.032). SEVR was higher in CR compared to RR and ORS (165.8 ± 33.7% vs. 127.4 ± 30.4% and 128.3 ± 27.8%; p = 0.022) and AIx75 was lower in CR compared to RR and ORS (-15.7 ± 8.6% vs. 1.2 ± 9.9% and 1.5 ± 9.1; p = 0.001). Discussion Healthy, young competitive male rowers reported higher myocardial performance and better cardiovascular health than recreational athletes. Interpretations of cf-PWV in competitive rowers should be performed alongside other cardiovascular indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Falcioni
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Gallotta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Baldari
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cardinali
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Campanella
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Dafne Ferrari
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Departement of Unicusano, Università Degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Guidetti
- Departement of Unicusano, Università Degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Meucci
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- Correspondence: Marco Meucci
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The athlete's heart exhibits unique structural and functional adaptations in the setting of strenuous and repetitive athletic training which may be similarly found in pathologic states. The purpose of this review is to highlight the morphologic and functional changes associated with the athlete's heart, with a focus upon the insights that echocardiography provides into exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies are aiming to investigate the long-term effects and clinical consequences of an athlete's heart. The "gray-zone" continues to pose a clinical challenge and may indicate scenarios where additional imaging modalities, or longitudinal follow-up, provide a definitive answer. Echocardiography is likely to remain the first-line imaging modality for the cardiac evaluation of elite athletes. Multimodality imaging combined with outcome and long-term follow-up studies both during training and after retirement in both men and women may help further clarify the remaining mysteries in the coming years.
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Conti V, Migliorini F, Pilone M, Barriopedro MI, Ramos-Álvarez JJ, Montero FJC, Maffulli N. Right heart exercise-training-adaptation and remodelling in endurance athletes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22532. [PMID: 34795399 PMCID: PMC8602371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term sports training leads to myocardial adaptations, with remodelling of the heart chambers. However, while myocardial adaptations of the left heart are well described, remodelling of the right heart and its impact on the development of arrhythmias is still debated. To conduct a systematic review on right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA) structural and functional changes in athletes who participate in long-term endurance training. Systematic review. A systematic literature search was conducted. All the articles reporting right heart echocardiographic (ECHO) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters evaluated in endurance athletes and sedentary subjects were considered eligible. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate whether age, sex, body surface area (BSA), intensity of training are associated with RV ECHO, CMR parameters and RA ECHO parameters. A positive association between age and right atrium area (RAA) (P = 0.01) was found. This is a negative association to RV E/A (P = 0.004), and RV end diastolic diameter (RVED) longitudinal (P = 0.01). A positive association between BSA and RVED middle (P = 0.001), as well between BSA and RAA (P = 0.05) was found, along with a negative association with RV E/A (P = 0.002). A positive association between intensity of training and RV end systolic area (RVESA) (P = 0.03), RV end diastolic volume indexed (RVEDVI) (P = 0.01), RV end systolic volume indexed (RVESVI) (P = 0.01) was found, along with a negative association with ejection fraction (EF %) (P = 0.01). Endurance athletes demonstrated an association between RV remodelling and age, BSA and intensity of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Conti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Recontructive Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Marco Pilone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - María I Barriopedro
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Ramos-Álvarez
- Escuela de Medicina Deportiva. Departamento de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javer Calderon Montero
- Escuela de Medicina Deportiva. Departamento de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, Queen Mary University of London, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG, England, UK
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, School of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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7
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Zanin M, Ranaweera J, Darrall-Jones J, Weaving D, Till K, Roe G. A systematic review of small sided games within rugby: Acute and chronic effects of constraints manipulation. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:1633-1660. [PMID: 33956579 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1891723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Small-sided games is a commonly used training method to develop technical, tactical and physical qualities concurrently. However, a review of small-sided games in rugby football codes (e.g. rugby union, rugby league) is not available. This systematic review aims to investigate the acute responses and chronic adaptations of small-sided games within rugby football codes considering the constraints applied. Four electronical databases were systematically searched until August 2020. Acute and chronic studies investigating rugby football codes small-sided games, with healthy amateur and professional athletes were included. Twenty studies were eventually included: 4 acute and 1 chronic in rugby union, 13 acute and 2 chronic in rugby league. Acute studies investigated task and individual constraints. Chronic studies showed that small-sided games would be an effective training method to improve physical performance. Current research in rugby football codes is heavily biased towards investigating how manipulating constraints can affect the physical characteristics of small-sided games, with limited literature investigating the effect on technical skills, and no studies investigating tactical behaviour. Future research is needed to evidence the effects of constraint manipulation on technical and tactical behaviour of rugby football players in small-sided games, in addition to physical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zanin
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, West Yorkshire, Leeds, UK.,Performance Department, Bath Rugby Football Club, Bath, UK
| | - Jayamini Ranaweera
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, West Yorkshire, Leeds, UK.,Performance Department, Bath Rugby Football Club, Bath, UK
| | - Joshua Darrall-Jones
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, West Yorkshire, Leeds, UK
| | - Dan Weaving
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, West Yorkshire, Leeds, UK.,Performance Department, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK.,Department of Sport Health, and Exercise Science, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Kevin Till
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, West Yorkshire, Leeds, UK.,Performance Department, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
| | - Gregory Roe
- Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, West Yorkshire, Leeds, UK.,Performance Department, Bath Rugby Football Club, Bath, UK
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8
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Steding-Ehrenborg K, Hedström E, Carlsson M, Maksuti E, Broomé M, Ugander M, Magnusson M, Smith JG, Arheden H. Hydraulic force is a novel mechanism of diastolic function that may contribute to decreased diastolic filling in HFpEF and facilitate filling in HFrEF. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:993-1000. [PMID: 33539261 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00890.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A hydraulic force generated by blood moving the atrioventricular plane is a novel mechanism of diastolic function. The direction and magnitude of the force is dependent on the geometrical relationship between the left atrium and ventricle and is measured as the short-axis atrioventricular area difference (AVAD). In short, the net hydraulic force acts from a larger area toward a smaller one. It is currently unknown how cardiac remodeling affects this mechanism. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate this diastolic mechanism in patients with pathological or physiological remodeling. Seventy subjects [n = 11 heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), n = 10 heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), n = 7 signs of isolated diastolic dysfunction, n = 10 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, n = 10 cardiac amyloidosis, n = 18 triathletes, and n = 14 controls] were included. Subjects underwent cardiac MR, and short-axis images of the left atrium and ventricle were delineated. AVAD was calculated as ventricular area minus atrial area and used as an indicator of net hydraulic force. At the onset of diastole, AVAD in HFpEF was -9.2 cm2 (median) versus -4.4 cm2 in controls, P = 0.02. The net hydraulic force was directed toward the ventricle for both but was larger in HFpEF. HFrEF was the only group with a positive median value (11.6 cm2), and net hydraulic force was throughout diastole directed toward the atrium. The net hydraulic force may impede cardiac filling throughout diastole in HFpEF, worsening diastolic dysfunction. In contrast, it may work favorably in patients with dilated ventricles and aid ventricular filling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is a previously unrecognized physiological mechanism of the heart that diastolic filling occurs with the help of hydraulics. In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, atrial dilatation may cause the net hydraulic force to work against cardiac filling, thus further augmenting diastolic dysfunction. In contrast, it may work favorably in patients with dilated ventricles, as in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Steding-Ehrenborg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Carlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elira Maksuti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Broomé
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Ugander
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, and Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martin Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Cardiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - J Gustav Smith
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Cardiology, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Lund University Diabetes Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Håkan Arheden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Niederseer D, Rossi VA, Kissel C, Scherr J, Caselli S, Tanner FC, Bohm P, Schmied C. Role of echocardiography in screening and evaluation of athletes. Heart 2020; 107:heartjnl-2020-317996. [PMID: 33203709 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The term athlete's heart describes structural, functional and electrical adaptations of the cardiovascular system due to repetitive intense exercise. Physiological cardiac adaptations in athletes, however, may mimic features of cardiac diseases and therefore make it difficult to distinguish physiological adaptions from disease. Furthermore, regular exercise may also lead to pathological adaptions that can promote or worsen cardiac disease (eg, atrial dilation/atrial fibrillation, aortic dilation/aortic dissection and rhythm disorders). Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major concern in sports cardiology, and preparticipation screening (PPS) has demonstrated to be effective in identifying athletes at risk for SCD. In Europe, PPS is advocated to include personal and family history, physical examination and ECG, with further workup including echocardiography only if the initial screening investigations show abnormal findings. We review the current available evidence for echocardiography as a screening tool for conditions associated with SCD in recreational and professional athletes and advocate to include screening echocardiography to be performed at least twice in an athlete's career. We recommend that the first echocardiography is performed during adolescence to rule out structural heart conditions associated with SCD that cannot be detected by ECG, especially mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery anomalies, bicuspid aortic valve and dilatation of the aorta. A second echocardiography could be performed from the age of 30-35 years, when athletes age and become master athletes, to especially evaluate pathological cardiac remodelling to exercise (eg, atrial and/or right ventricular dilation), late onset cardiomyopathies and wall motion abnormalities due to myocarditis or coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Niederseer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Alice Rossi
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Kissel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Scherr
- University Center for Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Caselli
- Cardiovascular Center Zurich, Hirslanden, Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix C Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Bohm
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schmied
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Adea JEB, Leonor RML, Lu CH, Lin LC, Wu M, Lee KT, Lin YS, Chang SH, Hung KC, Lin FC, Hsieh IC, Chu PH, Wen MS, Wu VCC, Wang CL. Sport disciplines and cardiac remodeling in elite university athletes competing in 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e23144. [PMID: 33157996 PMCID: PMC7647536 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodeling is common in the athletes. Little data is available regarding the cardiac remodeling on the recently proposed 4 sport disciplines among the elite university athletes.A total of 7639 athletes participated in the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade. Cardiac evaluation via history, ECG, and echocardiography were performed in 826 athletes who signed up for Check Up Your Heart. Athletes were grouped into one of 4 sport disciplines Skill, Power, Mixed, and Endurance.After excluding 66 participants with missing demographic data, 13 missing echocardiographic data, and 24 inadequate echocardiographic images, a total number of 723 university athletes (mean age 23 ± 3 years, 419 males) from 99 countries engaging in 25 different sporting events were analyzed. Electrocardiograms showed that Endurance group had a slower heart rate and higher percentage of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (39%). Echocardiograms showed there were significant differences in LV mass index (P < .001), LV geometry (P < .001), left atrial (LA) dilatation (P = .026), right ventricular (RV) dilatation (P < .001), right atrial (RA) dilatation (P < .0001), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excurse (P = .006). LV ejection fraction, LV strain, RV strain, and LV diastolic function showed no difference in 4 sport disciplines.Eccentric LV hypertrophy was the most common type of cardiac remodeling in the university athletes participated in 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade. Adaptive changes in chamber size were more commonly seen in Endurance sport. RA dilatation was the most sensitive to hemodynamic demand, followed by RV dilatation, LA dilatation, and LV dilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose-Ernesto B. Adea
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Section of Cardiology, Makati Medical Center, Makati, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rona Marie L. Leonor
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Section of Cardiology, Makati Medical Center, Makati, Manila, Philippines
| | - Cheng-Hui Lu
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Chun Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Wu
- Divison of Cardiovascular Medicine, Arrhythmia Services Section, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kuang-Tso Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hung Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chun Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Fen-Chiung Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - I-Chang Hsieh
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Hsien Chu
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shien Wen
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Victor Chien-Chia Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Li Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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11
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Baggish AL, Battle RW, Beaver TA, Border WL, Douglas PS, Kramer CM, Martinez MW, Mercandetti JH, Phelan D, Singh TK, Weiner RB, Williamson E. Recommendations on the Use of Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging in Young Adult Competitive Athletes: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography in Collaboration with the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2020; 33:523-549. [PMID: 32362332 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert W Battle
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - William L Border
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Dermot Phelan
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute in Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | | | - Rory B Weiner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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Brown B, Millar L, Somauroo J, George K, Sharma S, La Gerche A, Forsythe L, Oxborough D. Left ventricular remodeling in elite and sub-elite road cyclists. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1132-1139. [PMID: 32187398 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Marked adaptation of left ventricular (LV) structure in endurance athletes is well established. However, previous investigations of functional and mechanical adaptation have been contradictory. A lack of clarity in subjects' athletic performance level may have contributed to these disparate findings. This study aimed to describe structural, functional, and mechanical characteristics of the cyclists' LV, based on clearly defined performance levels. Male elite cyclists (EC) (n = 69), sub-elite cyclists (SEC) (n = 30), and non-athletes (NA) (n = 46) were comparatively studied using conventional and speckle tracking 2D echocardiography. Dilated eccentric hypertrophy was common in EC (34.7%), but not SEC (3.3%). Chamber concentricity was higher in EC compared to SEC (7.11 ± 1.08 vs 5.85 ± 0.98 g/(mL)2/3 , P < .001). Ejection fraction (EF) was lower in EC compared to NA (57 ± 5% vs 59 ± 4%, P < .05), and reduced EF was observed in a greater proportion of EC (11.6%) compared to SEC (6.7%). Global circumferential strain (GCε) was greater in EC (-18.4 ± 2.4%) and SEC (-19.8 ± 2.7%) compared to NA (-17.2 ± 2.6%) (P < .05 and P < .001). Early diastolic filling was lower in EC compared with SEC (0.72 ± 0.14 vs 0.88 ± 0.12 cm/s, P < .001), as were septal E' (12 ± 2 vs 15 ± 2 cm/s, P < .001) and lateral E' (18 ± 4 vs 20 ± 4 cm/s, P < .05). The magnitude of LV structural adaptation was far greater in EC compared with SEC. Increased GCε may represent a compensatory mechanism to maintain stroke volume in the presence of increased chamber volume. Decreased E and E' velocities may be indicative of a considerable functional reserve in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Brown
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lynne Millar
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - John Somauroo
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Sports Cardiology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lynsey Forsythe
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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13
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D'Ascenzi F, Solari M, Corrado D, Zorzi A, Mondillo S. Diagnostic Differentiation Between Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Athlete's Heart by Using Imaging. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 11:1327-1339. [PMID: 30190032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an important cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in youth and athletes. In the last decade, several studies focused on right ventricular (RV) remodeling in athletes and revealed that features of the physiological adaptation of the right heart to training, such as RV dilation, may overlap with those of ARVC. Therefore, a careful multiparametric evaluation is required for differential diagnosis in order to avoid false diagnosis of ARVC or, in contrast, fail to identify the risk of causing SCD. This review summarizes physiological adaptation of the RV to exercise and describes features that could help distinguishing between athlete's heart and ARVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio D'Ascenzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Marco Solari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Division of Cardiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sergio Mondillo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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14
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Cuspidi C, Sala C, Tadic M, Baccanelli G, Gherbesi E, Grassi G, Mancia G. Left atrial volume in elite athletes: A meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 29:922-932. [PMID: 30866082 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Information on left atrium (LA) enlargement, as assessed by LA volume (LAV) instead of LA diameter, in the athletic population is scanty. To expand current knowledge on this issue, we performed an updated meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies. DESIGN The Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for English language articles without time restriction up to February 2018 through focused, high sensitive search strategies. Studies were identified by crossing the following search terms: "athletes," "physical training," "left atrial size," "left atrial volume," "atrial function," and "echocardiography.". RESULTS Overall, 3145 subjects (2425 elite athletes and 720 active but not trained healthy controls) were included in 16 studies. Average LAV indexed to BSA (LAVI) was 37% higher in athletes as compared to nonathletic controls (31.0 ± 1.4 mL/m2 vs 22.2 ± 0.9 mL/m2 ), the standard means difference (SMD) being 1.12 ± 0.13 (CI: 0.86-1.89, P < 0.0001). SMD was higher in high-dynamic/high-static trained athletes (1.78 ± 0.24, CI: 1.30-2.20, P < 0.001) than in high-dynamic/low-static trained athletes 1.00 ± 0.16, CI: 0.70-1.30, P < 0.001). The statistical difference did not change after correction for publication bias and was not affected by a single study effect. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis suggests that the adaptation of LA to intensive physical training in elite athletes is characterized by a marked increase in LAVI; LA dilation is more pronounced in the subgroup of high-dynamic/high-static trained athletes. The functional and clinical implications related to advanced LA dilation in athletes and particularly in those engaged in high-dynamic/high-static disciplines deserve further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Cuspidi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Carla Sala
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marijana Tadic
- Department of Cardiology, Charité-University-Medicine Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanni Baccanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Gherbesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Guido Grassi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Multimedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mancia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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15
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Paterick ZR, Paterick TE. Preparticipation Cardiovascular Screening of Student-Athletes with Echocardiography: Ethical, Clinical, Economic, and Legal Considerations. Curr Cardiol Rep 2019; 21:16. [PMID: 30820677 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-019-1101-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To identify whether the use of echocardiography is a viable approach for the screening of athletes for the prevention of sudden cardiac death when considering ethical, clinical, economic, and legal issues. RECENT FINDINGS Ethical musings, echocardiographic findings, economic calculations, and legal analysis suggest that echocardiographic screening may reduce sudden cardiac death on the athletic field. Ethical, clinical, economic, and legal considerations suggest echocardiographic screening is a viable option to meet the societal goal to prevent athletic field sudden death.
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16
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Giraut S, Häggström J, Koskinen LLE, Lohi H, Wiberg M. Breed‐specific reference ranges for standard echocardiographic measurements in salukis. J Small Anim Pract 2019; 60:374-378. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Giraut
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki 00014 Finland
| | - J. Häggström
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ScienceSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala 75007 Sweden
| | - L. L. E. Koskinen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Research Programs Unit, Molecular NeurologyUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics Helsinki Finland
| | - H. Lohi
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Research Programs Unit, Molecular NeurologyUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics Helsinki Finland
| | - M. Wiberg
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki 00014 Finland
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17
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Fulghum K, Hill BG. Metabolic Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Cardiac Remodeling. Front Cardiovasc Med 2018; 5:127. [PMID: 30255026 PMCID: PMC6141631 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise has a myriad of physiological benefits that derive in part from its ability to improve cardiometabolic health. The periodic metabolic stress imposed by regular exercise appears fundamental in driving cardiovascular tissue adaptation. However, different types, intensities, or durations of exercise elicit different levels of metabolic stress and may promote distinct types of tissue remodeling. In this review, we discuss how exercise affects cardiac structure and function and how exercise-induced changes in metabolism regulate cardiac adaptation. Current evidence suggests that exercise typically elicits an adaptive, beneficial form of cardiac remodeling that involves cardiomyocyte growth and proliferation; however, chronic levels of extreme exercise may increase the risk for pathological cardiac remodeling or sudden cardiac death. An emerging theme underpinning acute as well as chronic cardiac adaptations to exercise is metabolic periodicity, which appears important for regulating mitochondrial quality and function, for stimulating metabolism-mediated exercise gene programs and hypertrophic kinase activity, and for coordinating biosynthetic pathway activity. In addition, circulating metabolites liberated during exercise trigger physiological cardiac growth. Further understanding of how exercise-mediated changes in metabolism orchestrate cell signaling and gene expression could facilitate therapeutic strategies to maximize the benefits of exercise and improve cardiac health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Fulghum
- Department of Medicine, Envirome Institute, Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Bradford G. Hill
- Department of Medicine, Envirome Institute, Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Louisville, KY, United States
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18
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Dores H, Mendes L, Dinis P, Cardim N, Monge JC, Santos JF. Myocardial deformation and volume of exercise: a new overlap between pathology and athlete’s heart? Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 34:1869-1875. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-018-1412-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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19
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Left Ventricular Speckle Tracking-Derived Cardiac Strain and Cardiac Twist Mechanics in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies. Sports Med 2018; 47:1145-1170. [PMID: 27889869 PMCID: PMC5432587 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The athlete’s heart is associated with physiological remodeling as a consequence of repetitive cardiac loading. The effect of exercise training on left ventricular (LV) cardiac strain and twist mechanics are equivocal, and no meta-analysis has been conducted to date. Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review the literature pertaining to the effect of different forms of athletic training on cardiac strain and twist mechanics and determine the influence of traditional and contemporary sporting classifications on cardiac strain and twist mechanics. Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for controlled studies of aged-matched male participants aged 18–45 years that used two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking with a defined athlete sporting discipline and a control group not engaged in training programs. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions were conducted. Results Our review included 13 studies with 945 participants (controls n = 355; athletes n = 590). Meta-analyses showed no athlete–control differences in LV strain or twist mechanics. However, moderator analyses showed greater LV twist in high-static low-dynamic athletes (d = –0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.32 to –0.20; p < 0.01) than in controls. Peak untwisting velocity (PUV) was greater in high-static low-dynamic athletes (d = –0.43, 95% CI –0.84 to –0.03; p < 0.05) but less than controls in high-static high-dynamic athletes (d = 0.79, 95% CI 0.002–1.58; p = 0.05). Elite endurance athletes had significantly less twist and apical rotation than controls (d = 0.68, 95% CI 0.19–1.16, p < 0.01; d = 0.64, 95% CI 0.27–1.00, p = 0.001, respectively) but no differences in basal rotation. Meta-regressions showed LV mass index was positively associated with global longitudinal (b = 0.01, 95% CI 0.002–0.02; p < 0.05), whereas systolic blood pressure was negatively associated with PUV (b = –0.06, 95% CI –0.13 to –0.001; p = 0.05). Conclusion Echocardiographic 2D speckle tracking can identify subtle physiological differences in adaptations to cardiac strain and twist mechanics between athletes and healthy controls. Differences in speckle tracking echocardiography-derived parameters can be identified using suitable sporting categorizations.
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20
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Role of Doppler Diastolic Parameters in Differentiating Physiological Left Ventricular Hypertrophy from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2018; 31:606-613.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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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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22
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D'Ascenzi F, Pelliccia A, Solari M, Piu P, Loiacono F, Anselmi F, Caselli S, Focardi M, Bonifazi M, Mondillo S. Normative Reference Values of Right Heart in Competitive Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2017; 30:845-858.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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23
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Abstract
Athletic heart syndrome refers to the physiological and morphological changes that occur in a human heart after repetitive strenuous physical exercise. Examples of exercise-induced changes in the heart include increases in heart cavity dimensions, augmentation of cardiac output, and increases in heart muscle mass. These cardiac adaptations vary based on the type of exercise performed and are often referred to as sport-specific cardiac remodeling. The hemodynamic effects of endurance and strength training exercise lead to these adaptations. Any abnormalities in chamber dilatation and left ventricular function usually normalize with cessation of exercise. Athletic heart syndrome is rare and should be differentiated from pathologic conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia when assessing a patient for athletic heart syndrome. This paper describes specific adaptations that occur in athletic heart syndrome and tools to distinguish between healthy alterations versus underlying pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaad A Khan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lucy Safi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Malissa Wood
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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24
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Konopka M, Krol W, Burkhard-Jagodzinska K, Jakubiak A, Klusiewicz A, Chwalbinska J, Pokrywka A, Sitkowski D, Dluzniewski M, Braksator W. Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricle adaptation to endurance training in young rowers - speckle tracking echocardiography. Biol Sport 2017; 33:335-343. [PMID: 28090137 PMCID: PMC5143768 DOI: 10.5604/20831862.1216659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the degree of cardiorespiratory fitness and the function of the right ventricle (RV). 117 rowers, age 17.5±1.5 years. All subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise. Standard echocardiography and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography with evaluation of longitudinal strain in each segment of the RV (basal - RVLS-B; mid - RVLS-M, apical - RVLS-A) and global RV free-wall strain (RVLS-G) were performed. RVLS-B values were lower compared to the RVLS-M (-25.8±4.4 vs -29.3±3.5; p<0.001) and RVLS-A values (-25.8±4.4 vs -26.2±3.4; p=0.85). Correlations between VO2max and RVLS were observed in men: RVLS-G strain (r = 0.43; p <0.001); RVLS-B (r = 0.30; p = 0.02); RVLS-M (r = 0.38; p = 0.02). A similar relationship was not observed in the group of women. The strongest predictors corresponding to a change in global and basal strain were VO2max and training time: RVLS-G (VO2max: β = 0.18, p = 0.003; training time: β = -0.39; p = 0.02) and RVLS-B (VO2max: β = 0.23; p = 0.0001 training time: β = -1.16; p = 0.0001). The global and regional reduction of RV systolic function positively correlates with the level of fitness, and this relationship is observed already in young athletes. The character of the relationship between RV deformation parameters and the variables that determine the physical performance depend on gender. The dependencies apply to the proximal fragment of the RV inflow tract, which may be a response to the type of flow during exercise in endurance athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Konopka
- Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Brodno Mazovia Hospital, Street Kondratowicza 8, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Krol
- Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Brodno Mazovia Hospital, Street Kondratowicza 8, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Burkhard-Jagodzinska
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Department of Physiology, Street Trylogii 2/16, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Jakubiak
- Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Brodno Mazovia Hospital, Street Kondratowicza 8, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Klusiewicz
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Department of Physiology, Street Trylogii 2/16, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Chwalbinska
- Academy of Physical Activity, Department of Sport Theory, Street Górskiego 1, Gdansk, Poland
| | - A Pokrywka
- Department of Applied and Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zielona Gora, Street Zyty 28, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - D Sitkowski
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Department of Physiology, Street Trylogii 2/16, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Dluzniewski
- Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Brodno Mazovia Hospital, Street Kondratowicza 8, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Braksator
- Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Brodno Mazovia Hospital, Street Kondratowicza 8, Warsaw, Poland
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D'Andrea A, Formisano T, Riegler L, Scarafile R, America R, Martone F, di Maio M, Russo MG, Bossone E, Galderisi M, Calabrò R. Acute and Chronic Response to Exercise in Athletes: The "Supernormal Heart". ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 999:21-41. [PMID: 29022255 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-4307-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During last decades, most studies have examined the exercise-induced remodeling defined as "athlete's heart". During exercise, there is an increased cardiac output that causes morphological, functional, and electrical modification of the cardiac chambers. The cardiac remodeling depends also on the type of training, age, sex, ethnicity, genetic factors, and body size. The two main categories of exercise, endurance and strength, determine different effects on the cardiac remodeling. Even if most sport comprise both strength and endurance exercise, determining different scenarios of cardiac adaptation to the exercise. The aim of this paper is to assemble the current knowledge about physiologic and pathophysiologic response of both the left and the right heart in highly trained athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello D'Andrea
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Formisano
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Riegler
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Scarafile
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella America
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Martone
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco di Maio
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Russo
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, Salern, Italy
| | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Calabrò
- Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Naples Monaldi Hospital, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 121, 80121, Naples, Italy
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26
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Król W, Jędrzejewska I, Konopka M, Burkhard-Jagodzińska K, Klusiewicz A, Pokrywka A, Chwalbińska J, Sitkowski D, Dłużniewski M, Mamcarz A, Braksator W. Left Atrial Enlargement in Young High-Level Endurance Athletes - Another Sign of Athlete's Heart? J Hum Kinet 2016; 53:81-90. [PMID: 28149413 PMCID: PMC5260578 DOI: 10.1515/hukin-2016-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enlargement of the left atrium is perceived as a part of athlete’s heart syndrome, despite the lack of evidence. So far, left atrial size has not been assessed in the context of exercise capacity. The hypothesis of the present study was that LA enlargement in athletes was physiological and fitness-related condition. In addition, we tried to assess the feasibility and normal values of left atrial strain parameters and their relationship with other signs of athlete’s heart. The study group consisted of 114 international-level rowers (17.5 ± 1.5 years old; 46.5% women). All participants underwent a cardio-pulmonary exercise test and resting transthoracic echocardiography. Beside standard echocardiographic measurements, two dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was used to assess average peak atrial longitudinal strain, peak atrial contraction strain and early left atrial diastolic longitudinal strain. Mild, moderate and severe left atrial enlargement was present in 27.2°%, 11.4% and 4.4% athletes, respectively. There were no significant differences between subgroups with different range of left atrial enlargement in any of echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle diastolic function, filling pressure or hypertrophy. A significant correlation was found between the left atrial volume index and maximal aerobic capacity (R > 0.3; p < 0.001). Left atrial strain parameters were independent of atrial size, left ventricle hypertrophy and left ventricle filling pressure. Decreased peak atrial longitudinal strain was observed in 4 individuals (3.5%). We concluded that LA enlargement was common in healthy, young athletes participating in endurance sport disciplines with a high level of static exertion and was strictly correlated with exercise capacity, therefore, could be perceived as another sign of athlete’s heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Król
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2nd Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Medicine
| | - Ilona Jędrzejewska
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2nd Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Medicine
| | - Marcin Konopka
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2nd Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mirosław Dłużniewski
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2nd Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Medicine
| | - Artur Mamcarz
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2nd Medical Faculty, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology
| | - Wojciech Braksator
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland 2nd Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiology, Hypertension and Internal Medicine
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Wasfy MM, Baggish AL. Endurance Exercise and the Right Ventricle: Weak Link, Innocent Bystander, or Key Ingredient? Circulation 2016; 133:1913-5. [PMID: 27073130 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.116.022418] [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)
- Meagan M Wasfy
- From Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- From Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
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28
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Lee BA, Oh DJ. The effects of long-term aerobic exercise on cardiac structure, stroke volume of the left ventricle, and cardiac output. J Exerc Rehabil 2016; 12:37-41. [PMID: 26933658 PMCID: PMC4771151 DOI: 10.12965/jer.150261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the long-term aerobic exercises on cardiac structure, left ventricular stroke volume, and cardiac output. To achieve the purpose of the study, a total of 22 volunteers—including 10 people who have continued regular exercises and 12 people as the control group—were selected as subjects. With regard to data processing, the IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 21.0 was used to calculate the mean and standard deviation, and the difference of the means between the groups was verified through an independent t-test. As a result, there were significant differences between groups in the left ventricular end-diastolic internal dimension, left ventricular end-systolic internal dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic septum thickness. There were significant differences between groups in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular mass, and left ventricular mass index per body surface area. However, in cardiac function, only left ventricular stroke volume showed a significant difference between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Ae Lee
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Deuk-Ja Oh
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
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29
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Kovacs R, Baggish AL. Cardiovascular adaptation in athletes. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2016; 26:46-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Aerobic exercise training leads to cardiovascular changes that markedly increase aerobic power and lead to improved endurance performance. The functionally most important adaptation is the improvement in maximal cardiac output which is the result of an enlargement in cardiac dimension, improved contractility, and an increase in blood volume, allowing for greater filling of the ventricles and a consequent larger stroke volume. In parallel with the greater maximal cardiac output, the perfusion capacity of the muscle is increased, permitting for greater oxygen delivery. To accommodate the higher aerobic demands and perfusion levels, arteries, arterioles, and capillaries adapt in structure and number. The diameters of the larger conduit and resistance arteries are increased minimizing resistance to flow as the cardiac output is distributed in the body and the wall thickness of the conduit and resistance arteries is reduced, a factor contributing to increased arterial compliance. Endurance training may also induce alterations in the vasodilator capacity, although such adaptations are more pronounced in individuals with reduced vascular function. The microvascular net increases in size within the muscle allowing for an improved capacity for oxygen extraction by the muscle through a greater area for diffusion, a shorter diffusion distance, and a longer mean transit time for the erythrocyte to pass through the smallest blood vessels. The present article addresses the effect of endurance training on systemic and peripheral cardiovascular adaptations with a focus on humans, but also covers animal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Hellsten
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Nyberg
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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31
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Abstract
The global burden of hypertension is rising and accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical inactivity contribute to this burden, further highlighting the need for prevention efforts to curb this public health epidemic. Regular physical activity is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced cardiovascular risk, and cardiac remodeling. While exercise and hypertension can both be associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), the cardiac remodeling from hypertension is pathologic with an associated increase in myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and risk of heart failure and mortality, whereas LVH in athletes is generally non-pathologic and lacks the fibrosis seen in hypertension. In hypertensive patients, physical activity has been associated with paradoxical regression or prevention of LVH, suggesting a mechanism by which exercise can benefit hypertensive patients. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity in the hypertensive heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M Hegde
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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32
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Hedman K, Tamás É, Bjarnegård N, Brudin L, Nylander E. Cardiac systolic regional function and synchrony in endurance trained and untrained females. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2015; 1:e000015. [PMID: 27900120 PMCID: PMC5117015 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2015-000015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most studies on cardiac function in athletes describe overall heart function in predominately male participants. We aimed to compare segmental, regional and overall myocardial function and synchrony in female endurance athletes (ATH) and in age-matched sedentary females (CON). Methods In 46 ATH and 48 CON, echocardiography was used to measure peak longitudinal systolic strain and myocardial velocities in 12 left ventricular (LV) and 2 right ventricular (RV) segments. Regional and overall systolic function were calculated together with four indices of dyssynchrony. Results There were no differences in regional or overall LV systolic function between groups, or in any of the four dyssynchrony indices. Peak systolic velocity (s′) was higher in the RV of ATH than in CON (9.7±1.5 vs 8.7±1.5 cm/s, p=0.004), but not after indexing by cardiac length (p=0.331). Strain was similar in ATH and CON in 8 of 12 LV myocardial segments. In septum and anteroseptum, basal and mid-ventricular s′ was 6–7% and 17–19% higher in ATH than in CON (p<0.05), respectively, while s′ was 12% higher in CON in the basal LV lateral wall (p=0.013). After indexing by cardiac length, s′ was only higher in ATH in the mid-ventricular septum (p=0.041). Conclusions We found differences between trained and untrained females in segmental systolic myocardial function, but not in global measures of systolic function, including cardiac synchrony. These findings give new insights into cardiac adaptation to endurance training and could also be of use for sports cardiologists evaluating female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofer Hedman
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Éva Tamás
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and Department of Medical and Health Sciences , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Niclas Bjarnegård
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences , Linköping University , Linköping ; Department of Clinical Physiology , County Hospital Ryhov , Jönköping , Sweden
| | - Lars Brudin
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping and Department of Clinical Physiology, County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Eva Nylander
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
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Iskandar A, Mujtaba MT, Thompson PD. Left Atrium Size in Elite Athletes. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 8:753-62. [PMID: 26093921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the published literature to investigate the relationship of high levels of exercise training to left atrial (LA) size. BACKGROUND The "athlete's heart" is a series of cardiac adaptations to systematic exercise training and may include LA enlargement. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of English-language studies in MEDLINE and Scopus from inception through April 29, 2014, that reported LA size in elite athletes. RESULTS A total of 54 studies comprising 7,189 elite athletes and 1,375 controls were included. Forty-eight of the 54 studies reported absolute LA diameter in 7,018 athletes and 1,044 controls. Nine of the 54 studies (including 992 athletes and 426 controls) presented LA volume corrected for body surface area. The adjusted weighted mean LA diameter was 4.1 mm greater in athletes overall compared with sedentary controls (p < 0.0001), and LA volume index was 7.0 ml/m(2) greater in athletes than controls (p < 0.01). Compared with controls, LA diameter was 4.6 mm greater in endurance-trained athletes (p < 0.0001), 2.9 mm greater in strength-trained athletes (p < 0.03), 3.5 mm greater in combined strength- and endurance-trained athletes (p < 0.0001), and 4.2 mm greater in athletes with unspecified training (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the largest compilation of studies documenting that elite athletes have larger LA dimensions compared with controls when evaluated by either LA diameter or LA volume corrected for body surface area. The largest average LA diameters were reported in endurance athletes. Physicians evaluating athletes should be aware that the LA is increased in both strength- and endurance-trained elite athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Iskandar
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | - Paul D Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut; Division of Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut.
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Weiner RB, Baggish AL. Cardiovascular Adaptation and Remodeling to Rigorous Athletic Training. Clin Sports Med 2015; 34:405-18. [PMID: 26100418 DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is a complex process by which the cardinal hemodynamic stresses of pressure and volume lead to a host of structural or functional adaptations. In aggregate, the constellation of changes that accompany this process serve to facilitate athletic performance by minimizing the cardiac work inherent in athletic activity. Although several key determinants of athletic cardiac adaptation have been described, observed variability across athlete cohorts remains an incompletely understood area. Ongoing and future work are required to further understand this process and ultimately to determine where the boundary lies between adaptive physiology and maladaptive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory B Weiner
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aaron L Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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35
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Demirelli S, Sam CT, Ermis E, Degirmenci H, Sen I, Arisoy A, Arslan K, Duman H, Simsek Z. Long-Term Cardiac Remodeling in Elite Athletes: Assessment by Tissue Doppler and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography. Echocardiography 2014; 32:1367-73. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Selami Demirelli
- Department of Cardiology; Erzurum Education and Research Hospital; Erzurum Turkey
| | - Cemil Tugrulhan Sam
- Department of Physical Education and High School; Atatürk University; Erzurum Turkey
| | - Emrah Ermis
- Department of Cardiology; Erzurum Education and Research Hospital; Erzurum Turkey
| | | | - Ilhan Sen
- Department of Physical Education and High School; Atatürk University; Erzurum Turkey
| | - Arif Arisoy
- Department of Cardiology; Gaziosmanpasa University; Tokat Turkey
| | - Kursat Arslan
- Department of Cardiology; Erzurum Education and Research Hospital; Erzurum Turkey
| | - Hakan Duman
- Department of Cardiology; Erzurum Education and Research Hospital; Erzurum Turkey
| | - Ziya Simsek
- Department of Cardiology; Faculty of Medicine; Atatürk University; Erzurum Turkey
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36
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Caselli S, Di Paolo FM, Pisicchio C, Pandian NG, Pelliccia A. Patterns of left ventricular diastolic function in Olympic athletes. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014; 28:236-44. [PMID: 25441331 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether morphologic left ventricular (LV) changes in elite athletes are associated with altered diastolic properties is undefined. The aim of this study was to investigate LV diastolic properties in a large population of Olympic athletes compared to untrained controls. METHODS A total of 1,145 Olympic athletes (61% men), and 154 controls, free of cardiovascular disease, underwent two-dimensional echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography, and Doppler tissue imaging. RESULTS Athletes had similar E velocities (87 ± 15 vs 89 ± 16 cm/sec, P = .134) but significantly decreased A velocities (47 ± 10 vs 56 ± 12 cm/sec, P < .001) compared with controls, with increased E/A ratios (1.93 ± 0.50 vs 1.63 ± 0.35, P < .001) and values ranging up to 4.8. Isovolumic relaxation (83 ± 13 vs 71 ± 16 msec, P < .001) and deceleration times (203 ± 40 vs 181 ± 36 msec, P < .001) were longer in athletes compared with controls. Doppler tissue imaging e' (13.8 ± 2.2 vs 16.2 ± 3.7 cm/sec, P < .001) and a' (7.2 ± 1.8 vs 8.5 ± 2.1 cm/sec, P < .001) were lower in athletes than in controls, but their ratio was not different between groups; E/e' ratios (6.37 ± 1.2 vs 5.72 ± 1.33, P < .001) were mildly higher in athletes. Subgroup analysis for type of sport showed that endurance athletes had the lowest A and a' velocities and the largest E/A ratios. Gender analysis revealed that men had significantly lower E and A velocities, as well as e', e'/a' ratios, and E/e' ratios (P < .01), compared with women. CONCLUSION This study provides normal values for Doppler echocardiographic and Doppler tissue imaging parameters describing diastolic function in elite athletes, which may be implemented as reference values in the clinical assessment of athlete's heart and prove useful in understanding the physiologic limits of cardiac adaptations in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Natesa G Pandian
- Cardiovascular Imaging and Hemodynamic Laboratory, Tufts University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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37
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Diastolic Stress Echocardiography in the Young: A Study in Nonathletic and Endurance-Trained Healthy Subjects. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014; 27:1053-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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38
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D'Andrea A, La Gerche A, Golia E, Teske AJ, Bossone E, Russo MG, Calabrò R, Baggish AL. Right Heart Structural and Functional Remodeling in Athletes. Echocardiography 2014; 32 Suppl 1:S11-22. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrè La Gerche
- Department of Medicine; St. Vincent's Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Australia
| | - Enrica Golia
- Chair of Cardiology; Second University of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - Arco J. Teske
- Department of Cardiology; Division of Heart and Lungs; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiac Surgery; Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico; Policlinico San Donato; San Donato Milanese Milan Italy
| | | | | | - Aaron L. Baggish
- Cardiovascular Performance Program; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston Massachusetts USA
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39
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Paterick TE, Gordon T, Spiegel D. Echocardiography: Profiling of the Athlete’s Heart. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014; 27:940-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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40
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Stefani L, De Luca A, Toncelli L, Pedrizzetti G, Galanti G. 3D Strain helps relating LV function to LV and structure in athletes. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2014; 12:33. [PMID: 25113389 PMCID: PMC4138416 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-12-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The evaluation of cardiac contraction could benefit from a connection with the underlying helical structure of cardiac fibers in athletes either completely healthy or with minor common cardiopathies like Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV). This study aims to exploit the potential role of 3D strain to improve the physiological understanding of LV function and modification due to physical activity as a comparative model. METHODS Three age-matched groups of young (age 20.3 ± 5.4) individuals are prospectively enrolled: 15 normal healthy subjects, 15 healthy athletes, and 20 athletes with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). All subjects underwent echocardiographic examination and both 2D and 3D strain analysis. RESULTS All echo parameters were within the normal range in the three groups. Global values of end-systolic longitudinal and circumferential strain, assesses by either 2D or 3D analysis, were not significantly different. The 3D strain analysis was extended in terms of principal and secondary strain (PS, SS). Global PS was very similar, global SS was significantly higher in athletes and displays a modified time course. The comparative analysis of strain-lines pattern suggests that the enhancement of LV function is achieved by a more synchronous recruitment of both left- and right-handed helical fibers. CONCLUSIONS 3D strain analysis allows a deeper physiological understanding of LV contraction in different types of athletes. Secondary strain, only available in 3D, identifies increase of performances due to physical activity; this appears to follow from the synergic activation of endocardial and epicardial fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stefani
- Sport Medicine Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio De Luca
- Sport Medicine Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Loira Toncelli
- Sport Medicine Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Pedrizzetti
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galanti
- Sport Medicine Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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41
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Hedman K, Tamás É, Henriksson J, Bjarnegård N, Brudin L, Nylander E. Female athlete's heart: Systolic and diastolic function related to circulatory dimensions. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2014; 25:372-81. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Hedman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medical and Health Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology Heart & Medicine Centre Linköping Sweden
| | - É. Tamás
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medical and Health Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Heart & Medicine Centre Linköping Sweden
| | - J. Henriksson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - N. Bjarnegård
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medical and Health Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - L. Brudin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medical and Health Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology County Hospital Kalmar Sweden
| | - E. Nylander
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medical and Health Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology Heart & Medicine Centre Linköping Sweden
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42
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Brosnan M, La Gerche A, Kalman J, Lo W, Fallon K, MacIsaac A, Prior DL. Comparison of frequency of significant electrocardiographic abnormalities in endurance versus nonendurance athletes. Am J Cardiol 2014; 113:1567-73. [PMID: 24641963 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.01.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most data assessing the accuracy of electrocardiographic (ECG) screening in identifying cardiac pathology in athletes are derived from relatively unselected cohorts of subjects involved in competitive sports. We hypothesized that the prevalence of ECG abnormalities may be greater in athletes performing the greatest combination of exercise intensity and duration, namely professional endurance athletes. A total of 1,007 male and 254 female elite adult athletes underwent cardiovascular screening inclusive of an electrocardiogram, interpreted using the 2010 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Training-related ECG changes (group 1) were more common in endurance athletes (EAs) than nonendurance athletes (NEAs; 90.8% vs 86.0%, p = 0.04), as were multiple (≥2) training-related changes (78.9% vs 53.5%, p <0.0001). Group 2 ECG changes (previously considered uncommon and training unrelated) were seen in 18.1% of subjects and were twice as prevalent in EAs compared with NEAs (29.9% vs 15.1%, p <0.0001). Right ventricular hypertrophy (4.4% EAs vs 1.5% NEAs, p <0.005) and deep right precordial T-wave inversion (14.3% EAs vs 4.7% NEAs, p <0.0001) were 3 times as common in EAs. Both group 1 and group 2 changes were similarly prevalent among elite male and female athletes and were more common in EAs regardless of gender. In conclusion, ECG abnormalities are very common in elite athletes and are more common in EAs than NEAs. Right ventricular hypertrophy and deep right precordial T-wave inversion are particularly common in EAs, possibly because of increased structural and/or electrical right ventricular remodeling in this subgroup. The predictive value of ECG screening and criteria for abnormal findings in elite EAs requires specific appraisal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Brosnan
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; St Vincent's Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; St Vincent's Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jon Kalman
- Melbourne Heart Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wilson Lo
- SportsMed ACT, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kieran Fallon
- Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Andrew MacIsaac
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David L Prior
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; St Vincent's Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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43
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Moro AS, Okoshi MP, Padovani CR, Okoshi K. Doppler echocardiography in athletes from different sports. Med Sci Monit 2013; 19:187-93. [PMID: 23478754 PMCID: PMC3628709 DOI: 10.12659/msm.883829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown cardiac changes induced by intense and regular physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac structures and function in soccer players, cyclists and long-distance runners, and compare them with non-athlete controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cardiac structural, systolic, and diastolic function parameters in 53 athletes and 36 non-athlete controls were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS Athletes presented higher left atrial volume, left ventricular (LV) thickness, and LV and right ventricular (RV) diastolic diameters (LVDD and RVDD, respectively) compared to non-athletes. Left atrium and LVDD were higher in cyclists than runners, and RVDD was higher in cyclists than soccer players. LV mass index was higher in athletes, and cyclists had higher values than runners and soccer players. LV systolic function did not differ significantly between groups. The only altered index of LV diastolic function was a higher E/A ratio in cyclists compared to controls. There was no difference in LV E/E' ratio. RV systolic function evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging was higher in cyclists and soccer players than runners. There were no conclusive differences in RV diastolic function. CONCLUSIONS Soccer players, runners and cyclists had remodeling of left and right ventricular structures compared to controls. Cardiac remodeling was more intense in cyclists than runners and soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Santos Moro
- University of Marilia – Unimar, Faculty of Medicine, Marilia, Sao Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Marina Politi Okoshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, University of Sao Paulo State, UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Padovani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, University of Sao Paulo State, UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katashi Okoshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, University of Sao Paulo State, UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Arrhythmias in athletes: evidence-based strategies and challenges for diagnosis, management, and sports eligibility. Cardiol Rev 2013; 21:229-38. [PMID: 23422016 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0b013e31827fd9ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Assessment and management of cardiac rhythm disorders in athletes is particularly challenging. An accurate diagnosis and optimal risk-stratification are often limited because of substantial phenotypic overlap between pathological entities and adaptive cardiovascular responses that normally occur in athletes. An accurate diagnosis, however, is particularly important in this population, as 2 competing risks need to be cautiously balanced: the risk of under-diagnosis of an arrhythmogenic substrate that may trigger life-threatening events versus the risk of over-diagnosis that may result in an athlete's improper disqualification. Accordingly, the management of arrhythmias in athletes may pose therapeutic dilemmas, and often differs substantially compared with the general population. In this review, we present the most frequently observed arrhythmias in athletes and briefly discuss their pathophysiologic substrate. We further propose diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based upon current guidelines, official recommendations, and emerging evidence from relevant clinical investigations. We focus particularly on disparities in current guidelines regarding the management of certain rhythm disorders, as these areas of uncertainty may reflect the challenging nature of these disorders and may indicate the need for individualized approaches in every-day clinical practice. A better understanding of the normal electrophysiological responses to chronic exercise, and of the pathophysiological basis and the true clinical significance of arrhythmias in athletes, may enhance decision-making, and may allow for management strategies which more prudently weigh the risk-to-benefit ratio of each approach.
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D’Andrea A, Riegler L, Morra S, Scarafile R, Salerno G, Cocchia R, Golia E, Martone F, Di Salvo G, Limongelli G, Pacileo G, Bossone E, Calabrò R, Russo MG. Right Ventricular Morphology and Function in Top-Level Athletes: A Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Study. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2012; 25:1268-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2012.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Assessing the Athlete’s Heart. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12410-012-9165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Early investigations in the late 1890s and early 1900s documented cardiac enlargement in athletes with above-normal exercise capacity and no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Such findings have been reported for more than a century and continue to intrigue scientists and clinicians. It is well recognized that repetitive participation in vigorous physical exercise results in significant changes in myocardial structure and function. This process, termed exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR), is characterized by structural cardiac changes including left ventricular hypertrophy with sport-specific geometry (eccentric vs concentric). Associated alterations in both systolic and diastolic functions are emerging as recognized components of EICR. The increasing popularity of recreational exercise and competitive athletics has led to a growing number of individuals exhibiting these findings in routine clinical practice. This review will provide an overview of EICR in athletes.
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D'Andrea A, Riegler L, Golia E, Cocchia R, Scarafile R, Salerno G, Pezzullo E, Nunziata L, Citro R, Cuomo S, Caso P, Di Salvo G, Cittadini A, Russo MG, Calabrò R, Bossone E. Range of right heart measurements in top-level athletes: the training impact. Int J Cardiol 2011; 164:48-57. [PMID: 21737163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the full range of right heart dimensions and the impact of long-term intensive training in athletes. BACKGROUND Although echocardiography has been widely used to distinguish the athlete's heart from pathologic left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, only few reports have described right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) adaptations to extensive physical exercise. METHODS 650 top-level athletes [395 endurance- (ATE) and 255 strength-trained (ATS); 410 males (63.1%); mean age 28.4 ± 10.1; 18-40 years] and 230 healthy age- and sex-comparable controls underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic exam. Along with left heart parameters, right heart measurements included: RV end-diastolic diameters at the basal and mid-cavity level; RV base-to-apex length; RV proximal and distal outflow tract diameters; RA long and short diameters; and RA area. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV tissue Doppler systolic peak velocity were assessed as indexes of RV systolic function. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was estimated from the peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity. RESULTS ATS showed increased sum of wall thickness and relative wall thickness, whereas left atrial volume, LV end-diastolic volume, LV stroke volume and PASP were significantly higher in ATE. RV and RA measurements were all significantly greater in ATE than in ATS and controls. ATE also showed improved early diastolic RV function, whereas RV systolic indexes were comparable among groups. On multivariate analysis, type and duration of training (p<0.01), PASP (p<0.01) and LV stroke volume (p<0.001) were the only independent predictors of the main RV and RA dimensions in athletes. CONCLUSIONS This study delineates the upper limits of RV and RA dimensions in highly-trained athletes. Right heart measurements were all significantly greater in elite endurance-trained athletes than in age- and sex-matched strength athletes and controls. This should be considered as a "physiologic phenomenon" when evaluating athletes for sports eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L. Baggish
- From the Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Malissa J. Wood
- From the Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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Baggish AL. RESPONSE. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e3181f49261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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