February 26, 2020Open Access
Association of Ascending Aortic Dilatation and Long-term Endurance Exercise Among Older Masters-Level Athletes
Key Result
Long-term endurance exercise in masters-level athletes was associated with a 21% prevalence of clinically relevant aortic dilatation, displaying a rightward shift compared with nomograms (P<.001).
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=442)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
Does long-term endurance exercise increase aortic size in older masters-level athletes?
P
Population
442 masters-level rowers and runners aged 50 to 75 years with about 2 decades of endurance exercise exposure, evaluated for aortic dilatation.
E
Exposure
Long-term endurance exercise (about 2 decades of exercise exposure)
C
Comparator
Age, sex, and body size-adjusted predictions from published nomograms
O
Outcome
Aortic size at the sinuses of Valsalva and the ascending aorta, measured using transthoracic echocardiographysurrogate
Clinically relevant aortic dilatation is common among aging endurance athletes, suggesting possible vascular remodeling in response to long-term exercise.
Main Result
p-value: p=<.001
Abstract
Importance: Aortic dilatation is frequently encountered in clinical practice among aging endurance athletes, but the distribution of aortic sizes in this population is unknown. It is additionally uncertain whether this may represent aortic adaptation to long-term exercise, similar to the well-established process of ventricular remodeling. Objective: To assess the prevalence of aortic dilatation among long-term masters-level male and female athletes with about 2 decades of exercise exposure. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study evaluated aortic size in veteran endurance athletes. Masters-level rowers and runners aged 50 to 75 years were enrolled from competitive athletic events across the United States from February to October 2018. Analysis began January 2019. Exposures: Long-term endurance exercise. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was aortic size at the sinuses of Valsalva and the ascending aorta, measured using transthoracic echocardiography in accordance with contemporary guidelines. Aortic dimensions were compared with age, sex, and body size-adjusted predictions from published nomograms, and z scores were calculated where applicable. Results: Among 442 athletes (mean SD age, 61 6 years; 267 men 60%; 228 rowers 52%; 214 runners 48%), clinically relevant aortic dilatation, defined by a diameter at sinuses of Valsalva or ascending aorta of 40 mm or larger, was found in 21% (n = 94) of all participants (83 men 31% and 11 women 6%). When compared with published nomograms, the distribution of measured aortic size displayed a rightward shift with a rightward tail (all P < .001). Overall, 105 individuals (24%) had at least 1 z score of 2 or more, indicating an aortic measurement greater than 2 SDs above the population mean. In multivariate models adjusting for age, sex, body size, hypertension, and statin use, both elite competitor status (rowing participation in world championships or Olympics or marathon time under 2 hours and 45 minutes) and sport type (rowing) were independently associated with aortic size. Conclusions and Relevance: Clinically relevant aortic dilatation is common among aging endurance athletes, raising the possibility of vascular remodeling in response to long-term exercise. Longitudinal follow-up is warranted to establish corollary clinical outcomes in this population.