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Thoracic Aortic Dilation: Implications for Physical Activity and Sport Participation
Emanuele Monda1, Federica Verrillo1, Marta Rubino1
1Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases Unit, Department of Traslational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Regular exercise can cause aortic dilation, especially in athletes with genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome. Careful evaluation is crucial for determining safe sport participation to prevent aortic dissection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Thoracic aortic dilatation is a progressive condition linked to aging and various pathologies, causing loss of aortic wall elasticity.
- Mild aortic root enlargement can be a normal adaptation in athletes, but high-intensity exercise in genetically susceptible individuals may lead to excessive enlargement and dissection.
- Inherited aortopathies, such as Marfan syndrome, increase the risk of aortic complications with physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between physical activity and aortic dilation.
- To focus on patients with bicuspid aortic valve and inherited aortic diseases.
- To discuss implications for aortic disease progression and sport eligibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the effects of physical activity on aortic dimensions.
- Analysis of genetic factors contributing to thoracic aortic dilatation.
- Discussion of risk stratification for aortic complications in athletes with genetic aortic diseases.
Main Results:
- Physical activity can influence aortic dilation, with varying risks based on exercise intensity and genetic predisposition.
- Individuals with inherited aortic diseases are at higher risk for excessive aortic enlargement and dissection.
- Current risk stratification for sport participation in these patients is challenging.
Conclusions:
- Tailored decisions regarding sport eligibility are necessary for athletes with aortic conditions.
- Further research is needed to better characterize and stratify the risks of aortic complications associated with sports in patients with genetic aortic disease.
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