Work

Myocardial function in long distance runners: Assessment by echocardiography, tissue Doppler and speckle tracking

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Regular intense physical exercise causes cardiovascular adaptations as well as functional and morphological changes in the athlete’s heart. The aim of the present study is to characterize those changes using conventional echocardiography and new speckle tracking techniques to study myocardial deformation.\nMethods: 68 men were studied. 38 long distance runners (42±8 years), and 30 sedentary controls (40±7 years). Standard transthoracic echocardiography was performed: M mode, 2D, tissue and colour Doppler. Deformation parameters were studied by speckle tracking at short axis view basal (B), medium (M) and apical (Ap) levels and apical 4 and 2 chamber view of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV). Longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain (S) and strain rate (SR) were measured as well as rotation (Rot) and untwisting (UT) at basal and apical levels.\nResults: Left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes were significantly higher in the athlete group. There were no differences in conventional diastolic parameters. Longitudinal and circumferential left ventricular strain and torsion were higher in the athlete group (p=0.02, p=0.005 and p=0.03 respectively). In addition, radial strain was lower in the athlete group. Right ventricular diameters, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and longitudinal deformation were significantly higher in the athlete group (p=0.01, 0.002 y 0.006 respectively).\nConclusion: Myocardial deformation parameters, studied by longitudinal and circumferential strain, as well as ventricular torsion are greater in athletes as compared to sedentary individuals. This increased myocardial longitudinal and circumferential deformation and ventricular torsion might represent an adaptive response to regular intense physical exercise.

Source: Biblioteca Digital de les Illes Balears (Universitat de les Illes Balears)

DOI: 10.3306/medicinabalear.29.01.25