Exercise induced QT dispersion changes in middle-aged veteran elite athletes

Present work was aimed to study QT dispersion changes during exercise and relation of it with LV myocardium mass in veteran elite athletes. 31 veteran athletes aged 30-50 years and 31 age-matched healthy controls were studied. In all of them QT dispersion (QTd) at rest and during exercise test was evaluated. LV mass by ultrasound method was measured.

at least 10 years of competitive sports activity and 5 years after active sports cessation, absence of cardiovascular diseases. Differences in QTd at rest and exercise peak among athletes and control groups weren't statistically significant p<0, 05. However, in part of athletes (19%) QTd increased at peak of exercise (marker of pathological hypertrophy), in contrast of controls. Athletes group was divided in two subgroups: athletes with increased QTd at exercise peak (group A) and without of it (gourd B). LV mass index in group A (142,1; SD -4,5; 95% CI 139.31-144.69) was significantly higher, than in control group (106,5; SD -5,56; 95% CI 104.52-107.48) P<0,05. LV mass correlated with QT dispersion changes during exercise in veteran athletes (r =0,87). In former athletes increased QT dispersion during exercise was associated with LV mass enhancement. It is suggested that these findings are caused by incomplete regression of athletic heart hypertrophy or residual hypertrophy and it may not be pure physiological phenomenon.