Search

Aortic elastic properties are important determinants of left ventricular function. The aim of this study was to determine left ventricular diastolic function and aortic distensibility in endurance athletes. Thirty male runners and thirty age-matched healthy male controls took part in the study. All subjects underwent echocardiographic examination and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Measurements included LV cavity dimension, standard and tissue Doppler parameters, and aortic diameter, 3 cm above aortic valve, at systole and diastole. Maximal oxygen uptake in athletes was higher than in controls. The aortic distensibility index was found to be higher in athletes compared with controls (5.37 ± 1.50 vs. 3.37 ± 1.48 cm²·dynes-1·10-6, p <0.001). While the aortic stiffness index in athletes was significantly lower than in controls (2.77 ± 0.28 vs. 3.43 ± 0.41, p <0.001). Furthermore, transmitral early peak velocity (E) and late peak velocity (A), peak velocity of myocardial systolic wave (Sm), early (Em) and atrial (Am) diastolic waves in athletes were higher than in controls. It seemed that the association of Em velocity with aortic distensibility was stronger than that of other LV parameters (coefficient = 0.74, p <0.001) by using multiple linear regression. Increased aortic distensibility in endurance-trained athletes may cause better diastolic function as a physiological cardiovascular adaptation factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine left ventricular (LV) morphology and aortic function in power athletes and to compare them with normal subjects. Thirty-two elite male wrestlers and 15 age-matched healthy male controls were included. All subjects underwent echocardiographic examination. Measurements included LV cavity dimension at systole and diastole, wall thickness, diastolic parameters, and aortic diameter, 3 cm above aortic valve, at systole and diastole. Left ventricular mass and mass index were found to be higher in the athletes than in control subjects. The aortic distensibility index was found to be reduced in the athletes compared with controls (2.53 ± 0.91 vs 3.94 ± 1.77 cm2 dyne-1 10-6, P = 0.003), while the aortic stiffness index was significantly higher in the athletes than in controls (9.12 ± 3.23 vs 6.65 ± 2.35, P = 0.02). However, LV end-systolic wall stress was lower in the athletes than in controls. Furthermore, transmitral early (E) and late (A) peak velocity, peak velocity of the myocardial systolic wave (Sm), and early (Em) and atrial (Am) diastolic waves at the inferior wall were higher in the athletes than in controls. Reduced aortic distensibility in elite power athletes may be one of the cardiovascular adaptation factors which affect LV hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Tei index and aerobic capacity in endurance athletes" by E. Kasikcioglu, H. Oflaz, H. Akhan, F. Mercanoglu and A. Kayserilioglu is presented.