Aortic stiffness and distensibility in top-level athletes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sports Medicine
• Vascular Physiology

Background:

• Cardiac adaptation to sports is well-documented, but the impact of training on aortic root (AR) elastic properties and diameters in elite athletes is less understood.
• Investigating AR morphology and stiffness in athletes versus sedentary individuals is crucial for understanding exercise-induced cardiovascular changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare AR morphology and stiffness between highly trained athletes and sedentary controls.
• To identify independent determinants of AR stiffness and distensibility in elite athletes.

Main Methods:

• Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 410 elite athletes (220 endurance-trained [ATE], 190 strength-trained [ATS]) and 240 controls.
• AR diameters were measured at four locations; aortic distensibility and stiffness indices were calculated.
• Analysis of variance and multivariate analyses were used to compare groups and identify determinants.

Main Results:

• Strength-trained athletes (ATS) had greater AR diameters and stiffness than endurance-trained athletes (ATE) and controls.
• Endurance-trained athletes (ATE) showed significantly higher AR distensibility.
• Age, LV stroke volume, endurance training, and training duration determined AR distensibility; age, end-systolic stress, strength training, and training duration influenced AR stiffness.

Conclusions:

• Strength training is associated with increased aortic root (AR) diameter and stiffness.
• Endurance training is linked to enhanced AR distensibility.
• Training type significantly influences aortic root elastic properties in elite athletes.