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Published on: February 9, 2016
Left ventricular systolic performance is improved in elite athletes
Stefano Caselli1, Riccardo Di Pietro, Fernando M Di Paolo
1Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Italian National Olympic Committee, Largo Piero Gabrielli 1, Rome, Italy. stefanocasellimd@gmail.com
Summary
Elite athletes exhibit shorter systolic time intervals (STI) and increased left ventricular (LV) ejection velocity compared to sedentary individuals. This physiological adaptation in athletes may aid in diagnosing
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- The 'athlete heart' describes cardiac adaptations in elite athletes.
- Distinguishing physiological adaptations from pathological conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare left ventricular (LV) systolic time interval (STI) and contraction efficiency in elite athletes versus sedentary controls.
- To investigate the utility of three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in assessing these parameters.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) was used to assess 429 elite athletes across various disciplines and 98 sedentary controls.
- Key measurements included LV systolic emptying time (STI and STI%) and systolic flow velocity (SFV).
- Statistical analyses, including regression, were performed to identify determinants of STI and compare groups.
Main Results:
- Elite athletes demonstrated significantly shorter STI and STI% compared to controls.
- Heart rate was the primary determinant of STI, with no significant association with age, body surface area, blood pressure, or LV characteristics.
- After adjusting for heart rate and gender, athletes still showed a reduced STI.
- Athletes exhibited significantly higher SFV across all disciplines compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Elite athletes display a shortened systolic duration and enhanced LV ejection velocity, indicative of physiological adaptation.
- These findings may assist in the differential diagnosis of the 'athlete heart' syndrome.
- 3DE provides valuable insights into cardiac efficiency in athletic populations.
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