Prevalence and progression of aortic root dilatation in highly trained young athletes
Key result
High-level athletic training was associated with a slightly larger mean aortic diameter compared to controls (28.3 vs 27.8 mm; p=0.01), with no progressive enlargement over 5 years in affected athletes.
Why the study?
Aortic root dilatation occurs in young athletes, but it is unclear whether this remodelling is physiological or represents a potential aortopathy.
Does high-level athletic training cause progressive aortic root dilatation in young athletes?
Population
3781 athletes aged 19±5.9 years and 806 controls
Comparison
Athletes vs controls
Design
Observational study
Follow-up
5±1.5 years
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Mild aortic enlargement in athletes warrants no screening or intervention change; leaves open long-term outcome implications.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=4,587)
Structured PICO
Does high-level athletic training cause progressive aortic root dilatation in young athletes?
P
Population
3,781 young athletes (mean age 19 years, 36.7% female) and 806 controls underwent echocardiography to assess the prevalence and progression of aortic root dilatation, with 5-year follow-up for affected athletes.
E
Exposure
High-level athletic training (average 16.7 hours per week)
C
Comparator
Non-athlete controls
O
Outcome
Aortic diameter measured at the level of sinuses of Valsalva and its progression over timesurrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 28.3% vs 27.8%
p-value: p=0.01
While a small minority of highly trained young athletes have an enlarged aortic root, medium-term follow-up suggests this is a stable, non-progressive physiological adaptation rather than an aortopathy.
Limitations
- Longer surveillance studies are necessary to elucidate the precise significance of an enlarged aortic diameter in athletes.
- Longer surveillance studies are necessary to elucidate the precise significance of an enlarged aortic diameter
Cite This Study
Gati et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Aortic root dilatation (n=4,587). High-level athletic training vs. Controls was evaluated on Mean aortic diameter (p=0.01). High-level athletic training was associated with a slightly larger mean aortic diameter compared to controls (28.3 vs 27.8 mm; p=0.01), with no progressive enlargement over 5 years in affected athletes.