Abstract
To evaluate the impact of different training levels on left ventricular (LV) filling
dynamics, Doppler mitral flow was derived in 25 amateur endurance-trained athletes
(amateurs) aged 31 ± 9 years, with a personal marathon record >200 min, and in 26
ultra endurance athletes (top athletes) aged 32 ± 8 years, with a personal marathon
record <170 min, during bicycle exercise in supine position. In particular atrial
filling fraction as the relative share of atrial contribution to LV filling was measured.
During exercise (150 watt) atrial filling fraction increased significantly more in
amateurs from 25% to 34% compared to top athletes from 25% to 29% (p < 0.001). Two
min post exercise atrial filling fraction already reached baseline values in top athletes
(25%), while it remained significantly elevated in amateurs compared to baseline values
(29%, p < 0.001). Only ten min post exercise atrial filling fraction showed baseline
values in amateurs (26%). Rate pressure product was not significantly different at
all levels of exercise. Thus, while atrial filling fraction rose in both study groups
during exercise, it returned earlier to baseline values in top athletes than in amateurs.
This indicates a better cardiac adaptation to physical stress and a better diastolic
performance during exercise in endurance athletes with a higher training level.
Key words
Endurance training - exercise - left ventricular diastolic function - left ventricular
hypertrophy - Doppler echocardiography
