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Left ventricular morphology and function in endurance-trained female athletes
K P George1, P E Gates, K M Birch
1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager, UK.
Journal of Sports Sciences
|September 16, 1999
Summary
Female athletes in endurance sports like rowing and cycling show larger heart sizes. This study found increased left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness in these athletes compared to non-athletes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Male athletes exhibit enlarged left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness.
- Research on female athletes' cardiac adaptations is less extensive.
- Understanding cardiac remodeling in female endurance athletes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resting left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function in trained female rowers, canoeists, and cyclists.
- To compare cardiac morphology and function between elite female athletes and age-matched controls.
- To determine if female endurance athletes exhibit cardiac adaptations similar to male athletes.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiograms were analyzed from 24 female athletes (rowers/canoeists, n=12; cyclists, n=12) and 21 controls.
- Measurements included LV end-diastolic dimension, volume, septal (ST), and posterior wall thickness (PWT).
- LV mass, systolic, and diastolic function were assessed; anthropometric data were collected.
Main Results:
- Athletes had significantly greater LV end-diastolic dimension, mass, volume, ST, and PWT than controls (P < 0.05).
- These cardiac differences persisted after allometric adjustment for fat-free mass.
- Stroke volume was significantly larger in athletes, while other functional parameters were similar.
Conclusions:
- Female rowers, canoeists, and cyclists demonstrate significantly larger left ventricular cavity dimensions and wall thicknesses than controls.
- These findings mirror adaptations observed in male endurance athletes.
- Endurance training induces cardiac remodeling in female athletes, increasing LV size and mass.