Key result
High-intensity athletic training was associated with significantly higher left ventricular vortex energetic parameters, including energy dissipation (P<0.001), compared to active and normal subjects.
Why the study?
Recent echocardiographic interest has focused on dynamic left ventricular vortex flow, prompting this study to verify the potential additional contribution of vortex analysis in characterizing the athlete's heart.
Does vortex analysis identify differences in left ventricular flow dynamics in highly trained athletes compared to active non-athletes and normal subjects?
Cross-Sectional (n=72)
Does vortex analysis identify differences in left ventricular flow dynamics in highly trained athletes compared to active non-athletes and normal subjects?
Vortex analysis reveals significantly higher energetic parameters in the left ventricle of highly trained athletes, complementing traditional morphological remodeling assessment.
BACKGROUND: Athlete's heart has been extensively studied, particularly regarding global myocardial remodeling in normal systo-diastolic function and supernormal deformation reserve. Based on specific morphological characteristics, it is commonly classified as eccentric and concentric remodeling; however, the recent interest in echocardiography lies in the dynamicity of the vorticity flow inside the LV chamber, primarily correlated with diastolic function. This study aims to verify the potential additional contribution of vortex analysis in characterizing the athlete's heart. METHODS: A group of 23 highly trained athletes was studied using 2D standard and deformation echo parameters and vortex examination. A dedicated software (HyperDoppler; ESAOTE) defined geometrical and dynamic vortex parameters (area, length, depth, energy dissipation, vorticity fluctuation, kinetic energy fluctuation). The data obtained were compared with a group of 26 active non-athletes and a group of 23 normal subjects. BMI differed among the three groups, with higher values in normal subjects (normal = 27.2±5.7; active = 22.9±2.6; triathletes = 22.1±1.8; P=0.01). RESULTS: Indicized left ventricular mass (iLV) was significantly higher in triathletes (triathletes = 96.9±14.9; active = 87.6±15; normal = 79.5±15.7; P=0.003) as twist (triathletes = 12.3±3.9; active = 9.8±3.7; normal = 8.1±3.1; P=0.001), expressing a supernormal apical reserve. Diastolic function was normal in both groups. In the presence of normal geometrical vortex data, vortex energetic parameters were significantly higher in triathletes (energy dissipation= 1.10±0.41, P<0.001; vorticity fluctuation = 0.89±0.04, P<0.001; kinetic energy fluctuation = 1.01±0.08, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vortex analysis complements the morphological remodeling of the athlete's heart. It can contribute to defining the effects of training intensity and energy consumption. Future research will focus on potential modifications in different sports.
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Corsi et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Athlete's heart (n=72). High-intensity athletic training vs. Active non-athletes and normal subjects was evaluated on Vortex energetic parameters (energy dissipation, vorticity fluctuation, kinetic energy fluctuation) (p=<0.001). High-intensity athletic training was associated with significantly higher left ventricular vortex energetic parameters, including energy dissipation (P<0.001), compared to active and normal subjects.
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