Long-term follow-up of former world-class swimmers: evaluation of cardiovascular function

Christian Knackstedt, Klaus Schmidt, Lukas Syrocki, Andreas Lang, Birna Bjarnason-Wehrens, Ursula Hildebrandt, Hans-Georg Predel

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftZeitschriftenaufsätzeForschung

Abstract

There is some evidence that long-term high-intensity endurance training might be associated with deterioration in cardiac function and might impose a potential risk for cardiovascular events. Thus, the intention was to retrospectively evaluate the cardiac status in former endurance athletes, particularly right ventricular (RV) dimension and function, to reveal potential cardiac damage. A group of 12 former world-class swimmers (45 ± 1.5 years) was examined 24.9 ± 4.3 years after cessation of high-intensity endurance training. They underwent history taking, physical examination, ECG, exercise testing and echocardiography. Furthermore, functional and echocardiography data that were also available from former evaluations were included in the analysis. There was a significant decline in exercise capacity. LV function was normal with a decrease in septal thickness to 9.1 ± 1.3 (p < 0.05) and LV diastolic diameter to 48.9 ± 5.6 (p < 0.05). Still, there was a remaining septal hypertrophy. RV function was 55.3 ± 4.2 % and there were normal RV dimensions adjusted for body surface area. 25 years after the cessation of endurance training there was a normal RV and LV function with a normalization of almost all diameters, still there was a mild LV hypertrophy in some athletes. Consequently, no relevant long-term cardiac remodeling after intensive endurance training was depicted in this group of athletes.

OriginalspracheEnglisch
ZeitschriftHeart and vessels
Jahrgang30
AusgabenummerMay
Seiten (von - bis)369–378
Seitenumfang10
DOIs
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 05.2015

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