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Physiologic and pathophysiologic changes in the right heart in highly trained athletes
A D'Andrea1, A La Gerche, E Golia
1Second University of Naples, Monaldi Hospital, Via M. Schipa 44, 80122, Naples, Italy, antonellodandrea@libero.it.
Herz
|March 31, 2015
Summary
Highly trained athletes experience significant right heart adaptations to exercise. However, this can lead to exercise-induced cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, necessitating further research into these cardiac changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Exercise induces hemodynamic changes, prompting cardiac adaptations.
- Athlete's heart initially focused on left heart changes; right heart adaptations are now recognized.
- Understanding cardiac adaptations is crucial to differentiate from pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on physiologic and pathophysiologic changes in the right heart of highly trained athletes.
- To highlight the structural and functional adaptations of the right heart due to intense training.
- To discuss the potential for exercise-induced cardiac damage and arrhythmias.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on athlete's heart and right ventricular adaptations.
- Analysis of research on exercise-induced cardiac remodeling and potential damage.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding the interplay between left and right heart adaptations.
Main Results:
- Significant structural and functional adaptations occur in the right heart of athletes.
- These adaptations can overlap with pathological changes, complicating diagnosis.
- Evidence suggests acute and chronic right heart damage may occur, increasing arrhythmia risk.
Conclusions:
- The right heart undergoes substantial changes in response to intense exercise.
- Exercise-induced cardiomyopathy, particularly affecting the right heart, is a growing concern.
- Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms and clinical implications of these right heart adaptations.
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