scholarly journals Athlete’s Heart in Elite Biathlon, Nordic Cross—Country and Ski-Mountaineering Athletes: Cardiac Adaptions Determined Using Echocardiographic Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Paul Zimmermann ◽  
Othmar Moser ◽  
Max L. Eckstein ◽  
Jan Wüstenfeld ◽  
Volker Schöffl ◽  
...  

Twelve world elite Biathlon (Bia), ten Nordic Cross Country (NCC) and ten ski-mountaineering (Ski-Mo) athletes were evaluated for pronounced echocardiographic physiological cardiac remodeling as a primary aim of our descriptive preliminary report. In this context, sports-related cardiac remodeling was analyzed by performing two-dimensional echocardiography including speckle tracking analysis as left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS). A multicenter retrospective analysis of echocardiographic data was performed in 32 elite world winter sports athletes, which were obtained between 2020 and 2021 during the annual medical examination. The matched data of the elite world winter sports athletes (14 women, 18 male athletes, age: 18–35 years) were compared for different echocardiographic parameters. Significant differences could be revealed for left ventricular systolic function (LV-EF, p = 0.0001), left ventricular mass index (LV Mass index, p = 0.0078), left atrial remodeling by left atrial volume index (LAVI, p = 0.0052), and LV-GLS (p = 0.0003) between the three professional winter sports disciplines. This report provides new evidence that resting measures of cardiac structure and function in elite winter sport professionals can identify sport specific remodeling of the left heart, against the background of training schedule and training frequency.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Hubert ◽  
V Le Rolle ◽  
E Galli ◽  
A Hernandez ◽  
E Donal

Abstract Aim This work aims to evaluate a novel semi-automatic tool for the assessment of volume-strain loops by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The proposed method was evaluated on a typical model of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction: the cardiac amyloidosis. Method 18 patients with proved cardiac amyloidosis were compared to 19 controls, from a local database. All TTE were performed using Vivid E9 or E95 ultrasound system. The complete method includes several steps: 1) extraction of LV strain full traces from apical 4 and 2 cavities views, 2) estimation of LV volume from these two traces by spline interpolations, 3) resampling of LV strain curves, determined for the same cardiac beat, (in apical 4-, 2- and 3- cavities views) as a function of pre-defined percentage increments of LV-volume and 4) calculation of the LV volume-strain loop area. (Figure 1, panel B) Results (Table 1): LVEF was similar between both groups whereas global longitudinal strain was significantly lower in amyloidosis group (−14.4 vs −20.5%; p<0.001). Amyloidosis group had a worse diastolic function with a greater left atrial volume index (51 vs 22ml/m2), a faster tricuspid regurgitation (2.7 vs 2.0 m/s), a greater E/e' ratio (17.3 vs 5.9) with a p<0.001 for all these indices. Simultaneously, the global area of volume-strain loop was significantly lower in amyloidosis group (36.5 vs 120.0%.mL). This area was better correlated with mean e' with r=0.734 (p<0.001) than all other indices (Figure 1, panel A). Table 1 Amyloidosis (N=18) Controls (N=19) p Global strain-volume loop area (%.mL) 36.5±21.3 120.0±54.2 <0.001 Global longitudinal strain (%) −14.4±3.8 −20.5±1.8 <0.001 Left ventricular ejection fraction (%) 62±7 65±5 0.08 Left atrial volume index (ml/m2) 51±22 22±5 <0.001 E/A 1.72±0.97 2.07±0.45 0.17 Mean e' 5.5±1.3 14.4±2.8 <0.001 Mean E/e' 17.3±5.4 5.9±1.4 <0.001 Tricuspid regurgitation velocity (m/s) 2.7±3.8 2.0±0.3 <0.001 Figure 1 Conclusion LV volume-strain loop area appears a very promising new tool to assess semi-automatically diastolic function. Future applications will concern the integration of LV volume-strain loop area as novel feature in machine-learning approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1277-1286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Bruun Pedersen ◽  
Charlotte Madsen ◽  
Niels Christian Foldager Sandgaard ◽  
Thomas Morris Hey ◽  
Axel Cosmus Pyndt Diederichsen ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Morrone ◽  
R Arbucci ◽  
K Wierzbowska-Drabik ◽  
Q Ciampi ◽  
J Peteiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An enlarged left atrial volume index (LAVI) at rest mirrors increased LA pressure and/or impairment of LA function. A cardiovascular stress may acutely modify LAVI within minutes. Purpose To assess the feasibility and functional correlates of LAVI-stress echocardiography (SE) Methods Out of 514 subjects referred to 10 quality-controlled labs, LAVI-SE was completed in 490 (359 male, age 67±12 yrs, ejection fraction 60±10%) with suspected or known chronic coronary syndromes (n=462) or asymptomatic controls (n=28). The utilized stress was exercise in 177, vasodilator in 167, dobutamine in 146. LAVI was measured with the biplane disk summation method. SE was performed with the ABCDE protocol. In a single center sub-study in 50 subjects, including 28 controls and 22 patients, also peak longitudinal atrial strain (PALS, %) was measured as an index of LA reservoir function. Results The intra-observer and inter-observer LAVI variability were 5% and 8%, respectively. Δ-LAVI changes (stress-rest) were negatively correlated with resting LAVI (r=−0.271, p&lt;0.001), heart rate reserve (r=−0.239, p&lt;0.001), and Δ-PALS (n=50, r=−0.374, p=0.007).LAVI-dilators were defined as those with stress-rest increase ≥6.8 ml/m2, a cutoff derived from a calculated reference change value above the biological, analytical and observer variability of LAVI. LAVI dilation (see figure) occurred in 56 patients (11%). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, B-lines ≥2 (OR: 2.586, 95% CI =1.1293–5.169, p=0.007) and abnormal left ventricular contractile reserve (OR: 2.207, 95% CI=1.111–4.386, p=0.024) were associated with LAVI dilation. Conclusion LAVI-SE is feasible, with high success rate and low variability, in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. A wet (increased B-lines) and weak (reduced LV contractile reserve and LA reservoir function) heart frequently portends LAVI dilation during stress. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dharmendrakumar A Patel ◽  
Carl J Lavie ◽  
Richard V Milani ◽  
Hector O Ventura

Background: LV geometry predicts CV events but it is unknown whether left atrial volume index (LAVi) predicts mortality independent of LV geometry in patients with preserved LVEF. Methods: We evaluated 47,865 patients with preserved EF to determine the impact of LAVi and LV geometry on mortality during an average follow-up of 1.7±1.0 years. Results: Deceased patients (n=3,653) had significantly higher LAVi (35.3 ± 15.9 vs. 29.1 ± 11.9, p<0.0001) and abnormal LV geometry (60% vs. 41%, p<0.0001) than survivors (n=44,212). LAVi was an independent predictor of mortality in all four LV geometry groups [Hazard ratio: N= 1.007 (1.002–1.011), p=0.002; concentric remodeling= 1.008 (1.001–1.012), p<0.0001; eccentric hypertrophy= 1.012 (1.006 –1.018), p<0.0001; concentric hypertrophy=1.017 (1.012–1.022), p<0.0001; Figure ]. Comparison of models with and without LAVi for mortality prediction was significant suggesting increased mortality prediction by addition of LAVi to other independent predictors (Table ). Conclusion: LAVi is higher and LV geometric abnormalities are more prevalent in deceased patients with preserved systolic function and are independently associated with increased mortality. LAVi predicts mortality independent of LV geometry and has synergistic influence on all cause mortality prediction in large cohort of patients with preserved ejection fraction.


Author(s):  
Koki Nakanishi ◽  
Masao Daimon ◽  
Yuriko Yoshida ◽  
Naoko Sawada ◽  
Kazutoshi Hirose ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical entity and carries independent risk for incident heart failure (HF), its possible association with subclinical cardiac dysfunction is unclear. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) phasic strain can unmask subclinical left heart abnormalities and are excellent predictors for HF. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of SCH and subclinical left heart dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. Methods We examined 1078 participants who voluntarily underwent extensive cardiovascular health check-ups, including laboratory tests and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess LVGLS and LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain. SCH was defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level with normal concentration of free thyroxine. Results Mean age was 62 ± 12 years, and 56% were men. Seventy-eight (7.2%) participants exhibited SCH. Individuals with SCH had significantly reduced LA reservoir (37.1 ± 6.6% vs 39.1 ± 6.6%; P = 0.011) and conduit strain (17.3 ± 6.3% vs 19.3 ± 6.6%; P = 0.012) compared with those with euthyroidism, whereas there was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction, LA volume index, LVGLS, and LA pump strain between the 2 groups. In multivariable analyses, SCH remained associated with impaired LA reservoir strain, independent of age, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. including LVGLS (standardized β −0.054; P = 0.032). Conclusions In an unselected community-based cohort, individuals with SCH had significantly impaired LA phasic function. This association may be involved in the higher incidence of HF in subjects with SCH.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Dimitroglou ◽  
C Aggeli ◽  
A Alexopoulou ◽  
T Alexopoulos ◽  
A Nitsa ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with metabolic syndrome is a common cause of cirrhosis and has been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. In patients with liver cirrhosis systolic or diastolic dysfunction can be observed and is independent of the cirrhosis etiology. Only few studies using newer echocardiography indices such as Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) have been published in cirrhotic patients. Purpose To evaluate GLS in patients with NASH cirrhosis when compared to other etiologies. Methods A total of consecutive 36 cirrhotic patients aged 18-70 were included in our study. Standard speckle-tracking software was used for offline analysis of standard apical views and GLS was calculated. Stroke Volume Index (SVI) was calculated with the Simpson method and a standard 2D, Doppler and Tissue Doppler examination was performed in all patients. Results Median age of the study population was 58 (IQR 50-64) years, 78% were male and 17% had ascites. Cirrhosis was considered decompensated in 21 (58%) of patients. The 28%, 42% and 19% had NASH-associated, alcoholic and viral etiology of cirrhosis, respectively. Median ejection fraction (EF) was 60% (IQR: 57%; 65%) and GLS was -21.1% (-19.7%; -23.1%) in the total population. Absolute value of GLS was lower in patients with NASH cirrhosis compared to other etiologies (p = 0.009) (figure 1). EF, SVI, left atrial volume index (LAVI), E/e’ ratio and mitral annular velocity (e’) did not differ significantly between those with NASH associated cirrhosis and the rest. GLS values were significantly correlated with EF (r=-0.588, p = 0.002), SVI (r=-0.469, p = 0.016) and BNP levels (r=-0.571, p = 0.007), but not with age, left ventricular end diastolic volume, left atrial volume index, E/e’, mitral annular velocity and blood pressure. According to a multivariable linear regression model, NASH etiology [B = 2.1 (0.6; 3.7), p = 0.008)] and EF (per 10% increase) [B=-1.7 (-3.3; -0.2), p = 0.03)] were the only independent factors associated with GLS values in cirrhotic patients. Conclusions GLS values are within normal limits in cirrhotic patients but seem to be affected in patients with NASH associated cirrhosis. Further studies are needed to assess the prognostic implications of this finding. Abstract P1768 Figure 1


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Yoshida ◽  
K Nakanishi ◽  
M Daimon ◽  
J Ishiwata ◽  
N Sawada ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Increased arterial stiffness is recognized as an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation, although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is emerging as an important tool to assess arterial stiffness noninvasively which is derived from the concept of stiffness β index and is less dependent on blood pressure at the time of measurement than pulse wave velocity. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of arterial stiffness with left atrial (LA) volume and phasic function in a community-based cohort. Methods We included 1,156 participants without overt cardiovascular disease who underwent extensive cardiovascular examination. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by CAVI. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was employed to evaluate LA phasic function including reservoir, conduit and pump strain as well as left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). Results CAVI was negatively correlated with reservoir and conduit strain (r=−0.37 and −0.45, both p<0.001; Figure), whereas weakly, but positively correlated with LA volume index and pump strain (r=0.12 and 0.09, both p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, CAVI was significantly associated with reservoir and conduit strain independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, pertinent laboratory parameters and LV morphology and function including LVGLS (standardized β=−0.22 and −0.26, respectively, both p<0.001), whereas there was no independent association with LA volume index and pump strain. In the categorical analysis, the abnormal CAVI (≥9.0) carried the significant risk of impaired reservoir (<31.4%) and conduit (<12.4%) strain (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63 and 3.71 vs. normal CAVI, both p<0.01) in a fully-adjusted model including laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. Figure 1 Conclusion Arterial stiffness was independently associated with LA reservoir and conduit function, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease. This association may explain the higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in individuals with increased arterial stiffness.


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