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Left ventricular growth response to exercise and cigarette smoking: data from LARGE Heart
J R Payne1, K I Eleftheriou, L E James
1Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics, BHF Laboratories, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London, UK.
Insights
Cigarette smoking is linked to increased left ventricular mass in young men undergoing physical training. This surprising finding suggests smoking may influence cardiac adaptation, even with limited exposure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Elevated left ventricular mass is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality.
- Understanding factors influencing left ventricular mass is crucial for cardiovascular health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between smoking and left ventricular growth in response to a standardized physical training program in young men.
- To identify predictors of exercise-induced changes in left ventricular mass.
Main Methods:
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was used to measure left ventricular mass in 309 army recruits.
- Measurements were taken before and after an identical 12-week physical training program.
- Statistical analyses, including univariate and multivariate models, were employed to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Left ventricular mass significantly increased following the 12-week training program (p<0.001).
- Cigarette smoking status was positively associated with exercise-induced changes in left ventricular mass (p=0.026).
- Multivariate analysis identified body weight, smoking status, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as independent predictors of left ventricular mass.
Conclusions:
- Both cigarette smoking and elevated SBP are associated with exercise-induced left ventricular growth in young men.
- The positive association between smoking and left ventricular mass changes is notable, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
- These findings contribute to understanding the drivers of left ventricular hypertrophy and potential adverse effects of smoking in young individuals.
Background:
Increasing left ventricular mass is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Objective:
To examine the possible association of smoking with the left ventricular growth response in men.
Methods:
Left ventricular mass was measured in 309 army recruits before and after an identical 12-week physical training programme. Left ventricular mass was determined using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
Results:
Left ventricular mass increased with training (mean (standard deviation (SD)) 3.83 (10.81) g, p<0.001). By univariate analysis, exercise-induced change in left ventricular mass was positively associated with cigarette smoking (mean (SD) 1.69 (11.10) g v 4.76 (10.23) g for non-smokers v ex- and current smokers, respectively; p = 0.026), whereas age, height, diastolic and systolic blood pressure (SBP), alcohol consumption or indices of physical activity were not significantly associated with change in left ventricular mass. Multivariate analysis showed body weight, smoking status and SBP to be independent predictors of left ventricular mass (incremental R(2) = 3.4%, p = 0.004; R(2) = 4.9%, p = 0.024; and R(2) = 1.7%, p = 0.041, respectively).
Conclusions:
Cigarette smoking and SBP are associated with exercise-induced left ventricular growth in young men. The positive association of smoking with changes in left ventricular mass is surprising, given the limited exposure of these subjects to smoking, and although these data do not prove causation, they are of great interest to those trying to uncover the drivers of left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as to those examining the possible ill-effects of smoking in the young.
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