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Regional wall motion abnormalities after prolonged exercise in the normal left ventricle.
P S Douglas1, M L O'Toole, J Woolard
1Cardiovascular Section, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Circulation
|December 1, 1990
Summary
This study found that extreme endurance exercise, like the Ironman Triathlon, can cause temporary left ventricular dysfunction and regional wall motion abnormalities. However, these changes in cardiac function fully recover within one day post-exercise.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Endurance athletes often exhibit cardiac adaptations.
- The impact of extreme endurance events on regional myocardial function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess regional wall motion abnormalities and left ventricular dysfunction in athletes after an Ironman Triathlon.
- To determine if these abnormalities contribute to cardiac dysfunction and if they are reversible.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional echocardiograms were performed on 12 athletes at baseline, immediately after, and 1 day after the Ironman Triathlon.
- Computerized analysis of echocardiographic views quantified radial chord shortening and area ejection fraction in specific left ventricular segments.
Main Results:
- Global ejection fraction decreased significantly post-race but recovered within 24 hours.
- Apical-septal and midseptal segments showed reduced motion post-race, returning to baseline levels during recovery.
- Lateral wall motion remained unchanged, while anteroseptal motion increased during recovery.
Conclusions:
- Extreme endurance exercise can induce transient regional wall motion abnormalities and left ventricular dysfunction.
- These echocardiographic changes are reversible within 24 hours post-exercise, indicating a temporary impact on cardiac function.