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Reduction in left ventricular wall thickness after deconditioning in highly trained Olympic athletes
B J Maron1, A Pelliccia, A Spataro
1Department of Medicine, Italian National Olympic Committee, Rome.
British Heart Journal
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Deconditioning significantly reduced left ventricular wall thickness in elite athletes, suggesting physiological athlete's heart. This finding aids in differentiating athlete's heart from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Distinguishing athlete's heart from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in athletes is challenging.
- Elite athletes often exhibit ventricular septal thickening similar to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- This study investigated deconditioning effects on left ventricular wall thickness in elite athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of deconditioning on left ventricular wall thickness in elite athletes.
- To identify variables aiding in the differential diagnosis between athlete's heart and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- To explore the reversibility of training-induced cardiac changes.
Main Methods:
- Six elite rowers/canoers from the 1988 Seoul Olympics participated.
- Athletes voluntarily reduced training for 6-34 weeks post-Olympics.
- Echocardiography assessed cardiac dimensions at peak training and after deconditioning.
Main Results:
- Ventricular septal thickness decreased from 13.8 mm (trained) to 10.5 mm (deconditioned).
- This reduction ranged from 15-33% (p < 0.005).
- Significant decrease in septal thickness was observed after deconditioning.
Conclusions:
- Deconditioning leads to a considerable reduction in ventricular septal thickness in elite athletes.
- This suggests physiological left ventricular hypertrophy induced by training.
- Reduced wall thickness with deconditioning can help differentiate athlete's heart from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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