Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Surgically Induced Cardiac Volume Overload by Aortic Regurgitation in Mouse
Published on: August 30, 2022
Aortic Regurgitation and Progressive Left Ventricular Dilation in a Professional Hockey Player
Jakob N Zoellner1, Martin Halle2, Martin Kullik2
1Department of Cardiology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Insights
Distinguishing athletic heart changes from disease in athletes with aortic regurgitation (AR) is crucial. A hockey player
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Differentiating physiologic left ventricular (LV) remodeling from pathological LV dilation in athletes with aortic regurgitation (AR) presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Regurgitant valvular disease in competitive athletes is often well tolerated, yet literature remains limited.
Background:
Distinguishing physiologic left ventricular (LV) remodeling from pathological LV dilation is a challenge among athletes with aortic regurgitation (AR).
Case Summary:
A 30-year-old professional hockey player with longstanding moderate AR and progressive LV dilation was restricted from sport, and surgical valve replacement was recommended. A detailed exercise training history revealed a marked increase in endurance training during recent months. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed moderate AR and LV dilation with normal systolic and diastolic function. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing demonstrated a VO2 max of 47 mL/kg/min (135% predicted) with reduction in AR severity during exercise. Surgery was deferred, and a return-to-play strategy with longitudinal surveillance was developed.
Discussion:
Although regurgitant valvular disease is typically well tolerated in competitive athletes, the literature on this topic is sparse.
Take-Home Message:
A detailed exercise training history is essential in the clinical interpretation of imaging data among athletes with regurgitant valve lesions and abnormal chamber dimensions.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

