A Meta-Analysis of Aortic Root Size in Elite Athletes
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Key result
Elite athletes have aortic root diameter 3.2 mm larger at the sinuses of Valsalva and 1.6 mm larger at the aortic valve annulus compared to nonathletic controls.
Why the study?
Does elite athletic training increase aortic root dimensions compared to nonathletic controls in young adults?
Population
Elite athletes aged 15 to 40 years
Comparison
Elite athletic training vs Nonathletic controls
Design
Meta-analysis
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Clinically minor aortic enlargement in athletes indicates marked dilatation is likely pathological; extends evidence against substantial physiological remodeling.
Structured PICO
Does elite athletic training increase aortic root dimensions compared to nonathletic controls in young adults?
P
Population
Elite athletes aged 15 to 40 years
I
Intervention
Elite athletic training (endurance, strength, combined, or mixed)
C
Comparator
Nonathletic controls
O
Outcome
Aortic root diameter measured at the sinuses of Valsalva and aortic valve annulussurrogate
Elite athletes have a statistically significant but clinically minor increase in aortic root diameter compared to controls, suggesting that marked aortic dilatation in athletes is likely pathological rather than a physiological adaptation to exercise.
Limitations
- Nearly all studies identified were cross-sectional
- Majority of the studies were conducted in Europe, and only a few studies reported race-specific data
- Most studies did not report whether athletes with Marfan syndrome were excluded
- Significant statistical heterogeneity among the included studies
- Literature review was limited to English-language studies
Cite This Study
Iskandar et al. (2013) studied this question. Elite athletes have aortic root diameter 3.2 mm larger at the sinuses of Valsalva and 1.6 mm larger at the aortic valve annulus compared to nonathletic controls.
Topics
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