Right ventricular remodelling induced by exercise training in competitive athletes
Flavio D'Ascenzi1, Antonio Pelliccia2, Domenico Corrado3
1Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci, 16, Siena 53100, Italy flavio.dascenzi@unisi.it.
European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular Imaging
|June 21, 2015
Summary
Right ventricular (RV) size increases in young athletes during their competitive season, without affecting RV function. These cardiac adaptations in team sport athletes are linked to left ventricular changes, indicating physiological remodelling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Conflicting evidence exists on right ventricular (RV) remodeling in athletes.
- Limited longitudinal data prospectively investigate RV changes in young athletes.
- Understanding RV adaptation is crucial for athlete health and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess morphological and functional RV changes during a competitive season in young team sport athletes.
- To investigate the relationship between RV remodeling and left ventricular (LV) changes.
- To determine if RV adaptation impacts RV function in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study evaluating 29 elite athletes (basketball, volleyball) at pre-season, mid-season, and end-season.
- Utilized tissue Doppler imaging and 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography for RV assessment.
- Analyzed RV dimensions, diastolic function, fractional area change, and longitudinal strain.
Main Results:
- RV basal and mid-cavity end-diastolic diameters and diastolic area increased significantly during the season.
- No significant changes were observed in RV diastolic function or fractional area change.
- Apical RV longitudinal strain increased, while global strain remained unchanged. LV volume and mass also increased.
Conclusions:
- Right ventricular chamber size increases during the competitive season in elite team sport athletes.
- RV morphological adaptation occurs without compromising RV function or myocardial deformation.
- These RV changes are associated with LV remodeling, suggesting physiological adaptation.
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