Late potentials in female triathletes before and after prolonged strenuous exercise

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of late potentials (LP) in female triathletes before and after prolonged strenuous exercise (PSE), and to determine whether LP are related to greater left ventricular (LV) dimensions and/or mass. Thirteen female triathletes were examined immediately before (Pre), one hour after (Post), and 24 to 48 hours after PSE (Recovery) using signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG). Late potentials were evaluated by two or more standard SAECG anomalies. Left ventricular dimensions and mass were measured Pre using two-dimensional echocardiography. Results revealed that no significant differences existed between Pre, Post, and Recovery in the SAECG parameters. Four athletes displayed LP during Pre. The incidence of LP during did not increase Post. There were no significant relationships between LV dimensions or mass and SAECG parameters. In conclusion, a small portion of female triathletes display LP before and after PSE, which are not worsened by PSE nor related to increased LV dimensions and/or mass.