Left ventricular remodelling in masters athletes. (8th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papatheodorou, E; Merghani, A; Bakalakos, A; Hughes, R; Torlasco, C; Downs, E; D"silva, A; Finocchiaro, G; Malhotra, A; Tome, M; Moon, JC; Al Fakih, K; Papadakis, M; Sharma, S
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 22(2021)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-02-08
• Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Heart -- Imaging -- Periodicals; 616.10754
• DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaa356.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-2404

Abstract

Abstract: Funding Acknowledgements: Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): I have received a research fellowship grant from the UK based charity Cardiac Risk in the Young Objectives: We investigated the effect of long-term exercise and sex on left ventricular (LV) geometry in a large group of female and male masters athletes. Background: Studies assessing LV geometry in masters athletes are scarce. Methods: Different types of LV geometry were identified according to echocardiography-derived relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular mass (LVM) values as per international guidelines. 4 groups were formed: normal (normal LVM/normal RWT), concentric hypertrophy (increased LVM/increased RWT), eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVM/normal RWT), and concentric remodeling (normal LVM/increased RWT). Results: A total of 277 healthy, elite, caucasian endurance masters athletes (65% female; mean age54.8 ± 7.7 years) were assessed. The athletes were exercising for a mean 32 ± 11.7 years and have completed a median 70 competitions including a median 13 marathon-type competitions. Females exhibited lower absolute LVM (127.7 ± 30.31g vs 196.57 ± 45.0g, p < 0.001), indexed LVM (76.8 ± 18.0 g/m2 vs. 103.6 ± 22.7 g/m2; p < 0.001), RWT (0.36 ± 0.07 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08; p < 0.001) and absolute LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) (46.3 ± 4.1 mm vs 50.1 ± 5.11 mm, p < 0.001) but greater indexed LVEDD (27.7 ± 2.7mm/m2 vs 26.5 ± 2.7 mm/m2, p < 0.001) compared with male athletes. Most female athletes showed normal LV geometry (72% vs 38% in male athletes, P < 0.001) and significantly less concentric remodeling (12% vs 35%, p < 0.001) and concentric hypertrophy (5% vs 13%, p = 0.01) (table & figure). Conclusions: A sex-specific response to chronic exercise is observed. Male masters athletes exhibit significantly more frequently abnormal LV geometry with concentric LV remodeling and/or concentric hypertrophy.