Early Cardiac Dysfunction in Adolescents With Low Vigorous Physical Activity

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Health
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Adverse left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) is an early indicator of cardiac dysfunction, worsening with age and potentially leading to heart failure.
• The onset of LVDF deterioration and the influence of physical activity (PA) in adolescents remain unclear.
• This study investigated the relationship between LVDF and PA intensity in adolescents, considering adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the independent associations of adverse LVDF with varying levels of physical activity (PA) in adolescents.
• To compare the impact of PA on LVDF with the influence of adiposity.
• To examine the effect of adverse LVDF resulting from low PA on cardiorespiratory fitness.

Main Methods:

• 127 adolescents (11-18 years) underwent echocardiography for LVDF assessment.
• 7-day PA was measured using accelerometry; adiposity was quantified by BMI Z-scores.
• Adverse LVDF was defined by a Z-score <-2 for BSA-adjusted septal early diastolic tissue peak velocity.

Main Results:

• Adverse LVDF was prevalent in adolescents with overweight (28%) and obesity (45%), particularly those with low vigorous PA (VPA).
• Increased VPA significantly reduced the odds of adverse LVDF, independently of adiposity.
• Low VPA (5 min/day) was causally linked to 2.4 mL/kg/min lower peak oxygen consumption due to adverse LVDF compared to 15 min/day.

Conclusions:

• Low VPA in adolescence is independently associated with adverse LVDF, irrespective of adiposity.
• Impaired LVDF in adolescents predicts reduced cardiorespiratory fitness.
• Vigorous physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy LVDF in young individuals.