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Inflammation and atrial remodeling after a mountain marathon
M Wilhelm1, T Zueger, S De Marchi
1University Clinic for Cardiology, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|December 21, 2012
Summary
Marathon running temporarily delays atrial conduction and increases inflammation markers in elite athletes. These acute changes may contribute to long-term atrial remodeling and arrhythmia risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Endurance athletes exhibit a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.
- Long-distance running may acutely impact the atrial myocardium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of marathon running on atrial myocardial function and inflammation in elite athletes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 10 elite male marathon runners.
- Evaluations included electrocardiography (signal-averaged P-wave duration) and blood markers (hs-CRP, cytokines, troponin) pre-race, immediately post-race, and days after.
- Atrial volumes were assessed over time.
Main Results:
- Signal-averaged P-wave duration (SAPWD) significantly prolonged post-marathon, returning to baseline within 8 days.
- No significant changes in atrial volumes were observed.
- SAPWD prolongation correlated with transient increases in inflammatory markers, leucocytes, and cardiac biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Marathon running induces transient atrial conduction delay, acute inflammation, and increased atrial wall tension.
- These findings suggest exercise-induced atrial myocardial edema.
- This acute response may contribute to atrial remodeling and increase arrhythmia susceptibility over time.
Keywords:
atrial remodelingmarathon runningpro atrial natriuretic peptideproinflammatory cytokinessignal-averaged P-wave durationMore Related Videos
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