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A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Carotid and peripheral atherosclerosis in male marathon runners

Knut Kröger1, Nils Lehmann, Lisa Rappaport

  • 1Clinic of Angiology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany. knut.kroeger@helios-kliniken.de

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|January 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Marathon runners show a high prevalence of extracoronary atherosclerosis, linked to cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease. Peripheral artery remodeling is significant in those with more atherosclerosis, highlighting the need for awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Sports Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Long-distance running, like marathon completion, is often associated with cardiovascular benefits.
  • However, the impact of intense endurance exercise on subclinical atherosclerosis, particularly extracoronary plaque burden, remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid, abdominal, and lower limb arteries in male marathon runners.
  • To investigate the association between extracoronary plaque burden, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • 100 male marathon runners (aged 50-75) with recent extensive running history were studied.
  • B-mode ultrasound was used to image plaque in peripheral arteries.
  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores were determined using electron beam computed tomography, alongside assessment of cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • A significant portion of runners exhibited carotid and peripheral artery plaque.
  • Plaque presence correlated with older age and higher 10-year Framingham risk scores.
  • Runners with high CAC scores showed evidence of atherosclerotic remodeling in peripheral arteries, with larger diameters but smaller lumens.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of extracoronary atherosclerosis is notably high in male marathon runners.
  • This atherosclerosis is associated with established cardiovascular risk factors and coronary plaque burden.
  • Findings emphasize the importance of screening for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors in this athletic population.
Abstract

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