Elite athletes had significantly higher left and right ventricular end-diastolic volumes (81 vs 62 mL/m2 and 82 vs 63 mL/m2; P<0.001) and lower resting ejection fractions compared with controls.
Observational (n=477)
Does regular intense exercise alter biventricular morphology and function in elite athletes compared to sedentary controls?
Elite athletes demonstrate distinct biventricular mechanical adaptations, notably a disproportionate decrease in RV circumferential strain, which correlates with enhanced exercise capacity.
valor p: p=<0.001
AIMS: While left ventricular (LV) adaptation to regular, intense exercise has been thoroughly studied, data concerning the right ventricular (RV) mechanical changes and their continuum with athletic performance are scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize biventricular morphology and function and their relation to sex, age, and sports classes in a large cohort of elite athletes using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Elite, competitive athletes (n = 422) and healthy, sedentary volunteers (n = 55) were enrolled. Left ventricular and RV end-diastolic volumes (EDVi) and ejection fractions (EFs) were measured. To characterize biventricular mechanics, LV and RV global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential strains (GCS) were quantified. All subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2/kg). Athletes had significantly higher LV and RV EDVi compared with controls (athletes vs. controls; LV EDVi: 81 ± 13 vs. 62 ± 11 mL/m2, RV EDVi: 82 ± 14 vs. 63 ± 11 mL/m2; P < 0.001). Concerning biventricular systolic function, athletes had significantly lower resting LV and RV EF (LV EF: 57 ± 4 vs. 61 ± 5%; RV EF: 55 ± 5 vs. 59 ± 5%; P < 0.001). The exercise-induced relative decrease in LV GLS (9.5 ± 10.7%) and LV GCS (10.7 ± 9.8%) was similar; however, the decrement in RV GCS (14.8 ± 17.8%) was disproportionately larger compared with RV GLS (1.7 ± 15.4%, P < 0.01). Right ventricular EDVi was found to be the strongest independent predictor of VO2/kg by multivariable linear regression. CONCLUSION: Resting LV mechanics of the athlete's heart is characterized by a balanced decrement in GLS and GCS; however, RV GCS decreases disproportionately compared with RV GLS. Moreover, this mechanical pattern is associated with better exercise capacity.
Fábián et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Athlete's heart (n=477). Elite athletic training vs. Healthy, sedentary volunteers was evaluated on Biventricular morphology and function (EDVi, EF, GLS, GCS) (p=<0.001). Elite athletes had significantly higher left and right ventricular end-diastolic volumes (81 vs 62 mL/m2 and 82 vs 63 mL/m2; P<0.001) and lower resting ejection fractions compared with controls.
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