Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
06:34
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Left ventricular function in elite rowers in relation to training-induced structural myocardial adaptation
A Mantziari1, V P Vassilikos, G Giannakoulas
1First Cardiology Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. mantziar@auth.gr
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Elite rowers show improved left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, alongside enhanced cardiac structure, due to intense training. This study highlights positive cardiac adaptations in young athletes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Intense endurance training induces cardiac remodeling.
- Understanding left ventricular (LV) function in elite athletes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate LV function in elite young athletes.
- To correlate cardiac structure with prolonged intense training adaptations.
Main Methods:
- Conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were used.
- 15 elite rowers and 12 sedentary controls were studied.
Main Results:
- Rowers exhibited increased LV mass index and wall thicknesses (concentric hypertrophy).
- Enhanced septal and lateral systolic and diastolic velocities were observed in rowers.
- Positive correlation between systolic and diastolic TDI velocities, decreased LV stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Elite rowers demonstrate improved LV systolic and diastolic function.
- Cardiac adaptations in athletes enhance both systolic and diastolic performance.
- Intense training leads to beneficial cardiac remodeling in young athletes.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...