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Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(3): 165-170
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-820956
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Aortic Distensibility and Left Ventricular Diastolic Functions in Endurance Athletes

E. Kasikcioglu1 , A. Kayserilioglu1 , H. Oflaz2 , H. Akhan3
  • 1Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Sports Medicine
  • 2Department of Cardiology
  • 3Ersek Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: March 1, 2004

Publication Date:
10 September 2004 (online)

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Abstract

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.

Key words

Aortic distensibility - athlete - diastolic function - echocardiography

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E. Kasikcioglu

Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Sports Medicine

PK 9

Avcilar 34840, Istanbul

Turkey

Phone: + 902125093540

Fax: + 90 21 26 31 13 17

Email: erhul@hotmail.com

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