Cardiovascular response to prescribed detraining among recreational athletes

Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) and the attendant myocardial adaptations characteristic of the athlete’s heart may regress during periods of exercise reduction or abstinence. The time course and mechanisms underlying this reverse remodeling, specifically the impact of concomitant plasma volume (PV) contraction on cardiac chamber size, remain incompletely understood. We therefore studied recreational runners ( n = 21, age 34 ± 7 yr; 48% male) who completed an 18-wk training program (~7 h/wk) culminating in the 2016 Boston Marathon after which total exercise exposure was confined to <2 h/wk (no single session >1 h) for 8 wk. Cardiac structure and function, exercise capacity, and PV were assessed at peak fitness (10–14 days before) and at 4 wk and 8 wk postmarathon. Mixed linear modeling adjusting for age, sex, V̇o2peak, and marathon finish time was used to compare data across time points. Physiological detraining was evidenced by serial reductions in treadmill performance. Two distinct phases of myocardial remodeling and hematological adaptation were observed. After 4 wk of detraining, there were significant reductions in PV (Δ −6.0%, P < 0.01), left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (Δ −8.1%, <0.05), LV mass (Δ −10.3%, P < 0.001), and right atrial area (Δ −8.2%, P < 0.001). After 8 wk of detraining, there was a significant reduction in right ventricle chamber size (end-diastolic area Δ = −8.0%, P < 0.05) without further concomitant reductions in PV or LV wall thickness. Abrupt reductions in exercise training stimulus result in a structure-specific time course of reverse cardiac remodeling that occurs largely independently of PV contraction. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Significant reverse cardiac remodeling, previously documented among competitive athletes, extends to recreational runners and occurs with a distinct time course. Initial reductions in plasma volume and left ventricular (LV) mass, driven by reductions in wall thickness, are followed by contraction of the right ventricle. Consistent with data from competitive athletes, LV chamber volumes appear less responsive to detraining and may be a more permanent adaptation to sport.

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Natural history and disease progression of early cardiac amyloidosis evaluated by echocardiography

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeaa356.387 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

O Itzhaki Ben Zadok ◽

A Eisen ◽

Y Shapira ◽

D Monakier ◽

Z Iakobishvili ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Progression ◽

Wall Thickness ◽

Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽

Time Course ◽

Right Ventricular Dysfunction ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Lv Mass ◽

Echocardiographic Findings

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Since the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is often delayed, echocardiographic findings are frequently indicative of already advanced cardiomyopathy. Aims to describe early echocardiographic features in patients subsequently diagnosed with CA and to delineate disease progression. Methods Pre-amyloid diagnosis echocardiographic studies were screened for structural and functional parameters and stratified according to the pathogenetic amyloid subtype (immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) or amyloid transthyretin (ATTR)). Abnormalities were defined based on published guidelines. Results Our cohort included 75 CA patients of whom 42 (56%) were diagnosed with AL and 33 (44%) with ATTR. Forty-two patients had an earlier echocardiography exam available for review. Patients presented with increased wall thickness (1.3 (IQR 1.0, 1.5)cm) ≥3 years before the diagnosis of CA and relative wall thickness (RWT) was increased (0.47 (IQR 0.41, 0.50)) ≥7 years pre-diagnosis. Between 1 to 3 years before CA diagnosis restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling pattern was present in 19% of patients and LV ejection fraction (LVEF)≤50% was present in 21% of patients. Right ventricular dysfunction was detected concomitantly with disease diagnosis. The echocardiographic phenotype of ATTR versus AL-CA showed increased RWT (0.74 (IQR 0.62, 0.92) vs. 0.62 (IQR 0.54, 0.76), p = 0.004) and LV mass index (144 (IQR 129, 191) vs. 115 (IQR 105, 146)g/m2,p = 0.020) and reduced LVEF (50 (IQR 44, 58) vs. (60 (IQR 53, 60)%, p = 0.009) throughout the time course of CA progression, albeit survival time was similar. Conclusions Increased wall thickness and diastolic dysfunction in CA develop over a time course of several years and can be diagnosed in their earlier stages by standard echocardiography Abstract Figure. Schematic proposed timeline of CA

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P955 left ventricle cardiac remodeling among lithuanian football versus basketball players

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.588 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Aldujeli ◽

J Laukaitiene ◽

R Unikas

Keyword(s):

Left Ventricle ◽

Wall Thickness ◽

Cardiac Remodeling ◽

Interventricular Septum ◽

Posterior Wall ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Relative Wall Thickness ◽

Football Players ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Lv Mass

Abstract Background Regular physical exercise causes a continuous gradual increase of the cardiac left ventricular (LV) mass known as physiological adaptive hypertrophy. The extent of LV remodeling depends on the type, amount, and intensity of the exercise. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare structural changes of the heart among Lithuanian football, basketball players and unathletic controls. Methods A total of 50 Lithuanian males aged between 20-29 years volunteered to participate in the study. Football players (n = 15) playing for local II league football clubs,and Basketball players (n = 15) playing for local minor league basketball teams. All athletes had been regularly engaged in their sport for at least three years. Inactive healthy volunteers (n = 20) of similar age served as controls. Routine transthoracic echocardiographic examinations to measure end-diastolic LV dimensions were performed by cardiology fellow under the supervision of a fully licensed cardiologist. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 20.0 software. The value of p < 0,05 was considered as statistically significant. Results No structural or functional pathologies were evident during the echocardiographic examination in any of the subjects. Absolute interventricular septum (IVS) thickness and LV posterior wall thickness, but not LV diameter, were higher in athletes than in inactive controls (P < 0,001). Indexed LV diameter was higher in football players as compared with non-athlete controls and basketball players (P < 0,05). Left ventricular mass of all athletes were higher as compared with controls (p < 0.001). Relative wall thickness was not increased in football players but was higher in basketball players as compared with controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion Cardiac remodeling in Lithuanian football players resulted in left ventricle eccentric hypertrophy due to the LV dilation, increased LV mass and relatively normal relative wall thickness. However in Lithuanian basketball players we noticed an increase in both relative wall thickness and LV mass resulting in LV concentric hypertrophy. Echocardiographic characteristics Groups n End-diastolic LV diameter(mm) End-diastolic Interventricular septum (mm) End-diastolic LV posterior wall LV mass Football Players 15 56.9 10.8 10.8 242 Basketball players 15 53.6 11.5 11.3 254 Inactive individuals 20 53.2 9.1 9.5 182 P value 0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.01 Abstract P955 Figure.

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Cardiac Effects of Dexamethasone in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.97.6.818 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 97 (6) ◽

pp. 818-821 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Andrew S. Bensky ◽

Jamanadas M. Kothadia ◽

Wesley Covitz

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Wall Thickness ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Low Birth Weight Infants ◽

Cardiac Effects ◽

Significant Prolongation ◽

Lv Mass

Objective. To characterize the cardiac effects of dexamethasone in very low birth weight infants. Design. Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Enrolled subjects were randomized to receive either a 42-day tapering course of dexamethasone or a saline placebo. Echocardiographic measurements were obtained on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 42. Subjects. Thirteen infants received dexamethasone and 13 a saline placebo. The two groups were similar in birth weight, gestational age, age at enrollment, and sex/race composition. Results. Patients receiving dexamethasone had a significantly larger increase in septal thickness on days 7, 14, and 28 and left ventricle (LV) posterior wall thickness on day 14. A significantly lower left ventricular enddiastolic dimension in the dexamethasone group was initially noted on day 7 and persisted until day 42. With the reduced left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, no significant differences in LV mass were noted, despite the increased wall thickness. No differences in LV systolic function, as assessed by area shortening, were seen. Assessment of diastolic function showed a significant increase in the atrial portion of mitral inflow in dexamethasone patients on day 14, as well as a significant prolongation in isovolumic relaxation time on days 7, 14, and 28. Conclusions. Infants receiving dexamethasone developed evidence for impaired LV filling with a larger increase in wall thickness but no increase in LV mass, asymmetric septal hypertrophy, or augmented systolic function. This suggests that alterations in left ventricular filling play an important role in the development of hypertrophy seen with dexamethasone administration.

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Early Left Ventricular Dysfunction Detected by Speckle Tracking in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients with Valvular Calcification

Cardiorenal Medicine ◽

10.1159/000491679 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 22-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jiahui Li ◽

Aili Li ◽

Jiali Wang ◽

Yu Zhang ◽

Ying Zhou

Keyword(s):

Wall Thickness ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Heart Function ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Doppler Imaging ◽

Subtle Change ◽

Lv Mass ◽

And Function

Purpose: Cardiac valve calcification (VC) is very common in patients on hemodialysis. However, the definite effect of VC on left ventricular (LV) geometry and function in this population is unknown, especially when LV ejection fraction (LVEF) is normal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of VC on LV geometry and function in long-term hemodialysis patients by conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Methods: A total of 47 hemodialysis patients (2–3 times weekly for 5 years or more) were enrolled in this study. Cardiac VC was defined as bright echoes of more than 1 mm on one or more cusps of the aortic valve or mitral valve or mitral annulus using echocardiography as the screening method. LV longitudinal global strain (GLS) was assessed on the apical four-chamber view and calculated as the mean strain of 6 segments. LV global circumferential strain was acquired on the LV short axis view at the level of papillary muscles. Results: Twenty-five patients with VC had higher mean values of interventricular septum thickness, LV posterior wall thickness, LV mass index, relative wall thickness, and LV mass/end-diastolic volume than 22 patients without VC (p < 0.05, respectively), indicating more obvious LV hypertrophy (LVH). VC patients had higher mitral annular E/E′ values, especially at the septal side representing increased LV filling pressure compatible with diastolic dysfunction, while only the E/E′ ratio of the septal side was significantly different between the 2 groups (16.7 ± 4.1 vs. 12.3 ± 4.4, p < 0.01). When assessed by GLS, LV longitudinal systolic function was also lower in in patients with VC compared with those without VC (–0.18 ± 0.03 vs. –0.25 ± 0.04; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Cardiac VC diagnosed by echocardiography when it occurs in long-term hemodialysis patients may indicate more severe LVH, myocardial damage, and worse heart function in comparison to those without VC. Tissue Doppler imaging and 2D-STE can detect the subtle change of heart function in this population in the early stage of LV dysfunction when LVEF is normal.

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The impact of obesity on left ventricular mass and left ventricular systolic function in children

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi45.4.2005.171-6 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 171

Author(s):

Ria Nova ◽

Bambang Madiyono ◽

Sudigdo Sastroasmoro ◽

Damayanti R Sjarif

Keyword(s):

Wall Thickness ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Posterior Wall ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Internal Diameter ◽

Obese Children ◽

Normal Children ◽

Posterior Wall Thickness ◽

Lv Mass ◽

Lv Systolic Function

Background Obesity causes cardiovascular disturbances. Theincidence of cardiovascular disease is higher even in mildly obesepatients than in lean subjects.Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare left ven-tricular (LV) mass, LV internal dimensions, and LV systolic func-tion between obese and normal children; and to determine the as-sociation of the degree of obesity with LV mass and LV systolicfunction.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on elemen-tary school students in Jakarta from February to April 2003. Wemeasured the subjects’ body weight and height, and performedlipid profile and echocardiography examinations. Measurementsof LV mass, LV internal dimensions with regard to septum thick-ness, LV internal diameter, and LV posterior wall thickness; andLV systolic function as indicated by shortening fraction and ejec-tion fraction, were performed echocardiographically. The differ-ences in measurements between obese and normal children aswell as between obese children with and without lipid abnormalitywere analyzed. The correlation between the degree of obesity withLV size and systolic function was determined.Results Twenty-eight normal children and 62 obese children wereenrolled in the study. Mean LV mass was 35.7 (SD 5.16) g/cm 3 inobese children versus 24.0 (SD 3.80) g/cm 3 in normal children(P<0.0001). Mean septum thickness was 0.8 (SD 0.14) mm inobese children versus 0.6 (SD 7.90) mm in normal children (P<0.0001). Mean posterior wall thickness was 0.9 (SD 0.14) mm inobese children versus 0.6 (SD 9.97) mm in normal children(P<0.0001). Mean LV internal diameter was 4.0 (SD 0.34) mm inobese children versus 3.9 (SD 0.29) mm in normal children(P=0.300). There was strong correlation between the degree ofobesity and LV mass (r=0.838, P<0.0001). LV systolic function(shortening fraction) was 37.1 (SD 4.20) percent in obese childrenversus 35.8 (SD 4.99) percent in normal children (P=0.19). Ejec-tion fraction was 67.4 (SD 5.32) percent in obese children versus65.5 (SD 6.29) percent in normal children (P=0.13). There wasweak correlation between LV systolic function and the degree ofobesity (shortening fraction r=0.219, P=0.038; ejection fractionr=0.239, P=0.023).Conclusions Obese children had significantly greater LV mass,septum thickness, and posterior wall thickness than normal chil-Backgrounddren. Such significant difference was absent for LV internal diam-eter and measures of LV systolic function. There was no signifi-cant difference in LV mass and LV systolic function between obesechildren with or without abnormality of lipid profile. A strong corre-lation exists between the degree of obesity and LV mass, but thecorrelation between degree of obesity and LV systolic function wasweak

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Abstract 4197: Does Relative Wall Thickness or Left Ventricular Mass Index Best Predict Mortality Risk in Patients With Preserved Systolic Function?

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_841 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Dharmendrakumar A Patel ◽

Carl J Lavie ◽

Sangeeta Shah ◽

Yvonne Gilliland ◽

Richard V Milani

Keyword(s):

Wall Thickness ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Age Groups ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Relative Wall Thickness ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Geometric Patterns ◽

Lv Mass ◽

Mortality Table ◽

The Impact

Background: Several studies have indicated that left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns predict cardiovascular events. However, little data is available that compares the relative prognostic impact of LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) on mortality in a large cohort of patients with preserved systolic function. Methods: The impact of LVMI and RWT on mortality during an average follow-up of 1.7±1.0 years was examined in a sample of 47,701 patients (mean age: 61.6 ± 15.4; females=54.6 %) with preserved ejection fraction(EF), as well as in age groups of <50 yrs(n=10,864; mean age=39.9 ± 8.1; females=58.4 %), 50 –70 yrs (n=20,181; mean age=59.9 ± 5.7; females=52.2 %) and >= 70 yrs (n=16,836; mean age=77.7 ± 5.5; females=55.1 %). Results: With increasing age (<50, 50 –70, >=70 yrs), both LVMI (78.5 ± 23.4, 84.3 ± 25.4, 90.3 ± 27.6; p<0.0001) and RWT (0.37 ± 0.08, 0.41 ± 0.08, 0.43 ± 0.09; p<0.0001) as well as mortality (2.2%, 5.0%, 14.2%; p<0.0001) showed significant linear trends and were independent predictors of mortality (Table , Figure ). Conclusion: Although, both LVMI and RWT were independently associated with increased mortality in all groups, RWT was by far the strongest independent predictor of all-cause mortality, especially in younger patients.

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Time course of left ventricular remodelling and mechanics after aortic valve surgery: aortic stenosis vs. aortic regurgitation

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez049 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (10) ◽

pp. 1105-1111

Author(s):

E Mara Vollema ◽

Gurpreet K Singh ◽

Edgard A Prihadi ◽

Madelien V Regeer ◽

See Hooi Ewe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aortic Valve ◽

Aortic Stenosis ◽

Aortic Regurgitation ◽

Time Course ◽

Pressure Overload ◽

Volume Overload ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Valve Surgery ◽

Aortic Valve Surgery ◽

Lv Mass

Abstract Aims Pressure overload in aortic stenosis (AS) and both pressure and volume overload in aortic regurgitation (AR) induce concentric and eccentric hypertrophy, respectively. These structural changes influence left ventricular (LV) mechanics, but little is known about the time course of LV remodelling and mechanics after aortic valve surgery (AVR) and its differences in AS vs. AR. The present study aimed to characterize the time course of LV mass index (LVMI) and LV mechanics [by LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS)] after AVR in AS vs. AR. Methods and results Two hundred and eleven (61 ± 14 years, 61% male) patients with severe AS (63%) or AR (37%) undergoing surgical AVR with routine echocardiographic follow-up at 1, 2, and/or 5 years were evaluated. Before AVR, LVMI was larger in AR patients compared with AS. Both groups showed moderately impaired LV GLS, but preserved LV ejection fraction. After surgery, both groups showed LV mass regression, although a more pronounced decline was seen in AR patients. Improvement in LV GLS was observed in both groups, but characterized by an initial decline in AR patients while LV GLS in AS patients remained initially stable. Conclusion In severe AS and AR patients undergoing AVR, LV mass regression and changes in LV GLS are similar despite different LV remodelling before AVR. In AR, relief of volume overload led to reduction in LVMI and an initial decline in LV GLS. In contrast, relief of pressure overload in AS was characterized by a stable LV GLS and more sustained LV mass regression.

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Hyperinsulinemia: effect on cardiac mass/function, angiotensin II receptor expression, and insulin signaling pathways

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00974.2005 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 291 (2) ◽

pp. H787-H796 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Anne-Maj Samuelsson ◽

Entela Bollano ◽

Reza Mobini ◽

Britt-Mari Larsson ◽

Elmir Omerovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Wall Thickness ◽

Insulin Signaling ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Receptor Expression ◽

Relative Wall Thickness ◽

Lv Function ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Lv Mass

To investigate the association between hyperinsulinemia and cardiac hypertrophy, we treated rats with insulin for 7 wk and assessed effects on myocardial growth, vascularization, and fibrosis in relation to the expression of angiotensin II receptors (AT-R). We also characterized insulin signaling pathways believed to promote myocyte growth and interact with proliferative responses mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, and we assessed myocardial insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and p110α catalytic and p85 regulatory subunits of phospatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), Akt, MEK, ERK1/2, and S6 kinase-1 (S6K1). Left ventricular (LV) geometry and performance were evaluated echocardiographically. Insulin decreased AT1a-R mRNA expression but increased protein levels and increased AT2-R mRNA and protein levels and phosphorylation of IRS-1 (Ser374/Tyr989), MEK1/2 (Ser218/Ser222), ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204), S6K1 (Thr421/Ser424/Thr389), Akt (Thr308/Thr308), and PI3K p110α but not of p85 (Tyr508). Insulin increased LV mass and relative wall thickness and reduced stroke volume and cardiac output. Histochemical examination demonstrated myocyte hypertrophy and increases in interstitial fibrosis. Metoprolol plus insulin prevented the increase in relative wall thickness, decreased fibrosis, increased LV mass, and improved function seen with insulin alone. Thus our data demonstrate that chronic hyperinsulinemia decreases AT1a-to-AT2 ratio and increases MEK-ERK1/2 and S6K1 pathway activity related to hypertrophy. These changes might be crucial for increased cardiovascular growth and fibrosis and signs of impaired LV function.

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Time-dependent systolic and diastolic function in mice overexpressing calcineurin

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00546.2002 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 284 (2) ◽

pp. H425-H430 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

L. M. Semeniuk ◽

D. L. Severson ◽

A. J. Kryski ◽

S. L. Swirp ◽

J. D. Molkentin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sudden Death ◽

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Cardiac Death ◽

Time Course ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Time Dependent ◽

Wild Type ◽

Lv Mass ◽

Age Dependent ◽

Systolic And Diastolic Function

Echocardiograms have been assessed only at 56 days in mice overexpressing calcineurin (CN mice). Age-dependent echocardiographic changes were evaluated because the development of sudden death is time dependent. Because cyclosporin A (CsA) reverses hypertrophy in CN mice, its effects on the time course of the development of sudden death and cardiac dysfunction were assessed. In wild-type (WT) mice, the left ventricular (LV) internal end-diastolic dimension (LVIDd) increased and the LV mass index (LVMI) decreased with age. In CN mice, two distinct phases of pathophysiology were found. After 14 days, in CN mice, the LVIDd and LVMI were significantly increased, but sudden death had not occurred. After 28 days, in CN mice, relative dilation of the left ventricle occurred, whereas the LVMI decreased. Sudden death developed during progressive dilation associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction. CsA treatment reversed hypertrophy in CN mice but did not reverse systolic and diastolic dysfunction and exaggerated sudden death. Sudden cardiac death was associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction but was not related to isolated cardiac hypertrophy in CN mice.

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Cardiac remodeling in middle-aged endurance athletes: relation between signal-averaged electrocardiogram and LV mass

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00602.2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Laura Banks ◽

Saif Al-Mousawy ◽

Mustafa A Altaha ◽

Kaja Koneiczny ◽

Wesseem Osman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Remodeling ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Endurance Athletes ◽

Electrical Remodeling ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Structural Remodeling ◽

Endurance Sport ◽

End Diastolic Volume ◽

Lv Mass ◽

Qrs Duration

Background: The relationship between structural and electrical remodeling in the heart, particularly after long-standing endurance training, remains unclear. Signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) may provide a more sensitive method to evaluate cardiac remodeling than a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Accurate measures of electrical function (SAECG filtered QRS duration (fQRSd) and late potentials (LP) and left-ventricular mass (cardiac magnetic resonance, CMR) can allow an assessment of structural and electrical remodeling. Methods: Endurance athletes (45-65 years old, >10 years of endurance sport), screened to exclude cardiac disease, had standardized 12-lead ECG, SAECG, resting echocardiogram (ECHO), and CMR performed. SAECG fQRSd was correlated with QRS duration on the 12-lead ECG, and ECHO and CMR-derived left ventricular (LV) mass. Results: Participants (n=82, 67% male, mean age: 54±6 years, mean VO2max: 50±7 ml/kg/min) had a CMR-derived LV mass of 118±28 g/m2 and a fQRSd of 112±8 ms (46% had abnormal fQRSd (>114 msec), and 51% met clinical threshold for abnormal SAECG). fQRSd was positively correlated with the 12-lead ECG QRS duration (r=0.83), ECHO-derived LV mass (r=0.60), CMR-derived LV mass (r=0.58) and LV end-diastolic volume (r=0.63, p<0.001 for all). fQRSd had higher correlations with ECHO and CMR-derived LV mass than 12-lead ECG (p<0.0008 and p<0.0005, respectively). Conclusion: In a healthy cohort of middle-aged endurance athletes, the SAECG is often abnormal by conventional criteria, and is correlated with structural remodeling, but CMR evaluation does not indicate pathologic structural remodeling. SAECG fQRSd is superior to the 12-lead ECG for the electrocardiographic evaluation of LV mass.

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