Is there a relationship between increased aortic stiffness and segmental left ventricular deformation in elite athletes? (Insights from the MAGYAR-Sport Study)

Abstract

Introduction Myocardial contractility of the left ventricle (LV) is related to arterial distensibility. Sport activity is frequently associated with changes in both LV and arterial functions. This study aimed to find correlations between three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived segmental LV deformation parameters and echocardiographically assessed aortic stiffness index (ASI) in athletes. This study comprised 26 young elite athletes (mean age: 26.7 ± 8.4 years, nine men). Results Among segmental circumferential strains (CSs), only that of apical anterior (r = 0.40, p = 0.05), septal (r = 0.47, p = 0.01), inferior (r = 0.59, p = 0.001), lateral (r = 0.44, p < 0.05), and midventricular anteroseptal (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) segments correlated with ASI, whereas LV-CS of the midventricular anterior segment showed a correlation tendency. Only longitudinal strain of basal anteroseptal (r = -0.46, p < 0.05) and inferoseptal (r = -0.57, p < 0.01) segments showed correlations with ASI, whereas that of the basal anterior segment had only a tendency to correlate. Some segmental multidirectional strains also correlated with ASI. Conclusions Correlations could be demonstrated between increased aortic stiffness and circular function of the apical and midventricular LV fibers and longitudinal motion of the basal septum and LV anterior wall (part of LV outflow tract) in maintaining circulation in the elite athletes.

Left ventricular deformation in athletes playing sports with high dynamics—insights from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Sport Study

“…Finding of the present study widens our knowledge in this group of elite athletes demonstrating increased LV strains, which could be partially considered to be a compensation and adaptation to deteriorated LV rotational mechanics (14). The impact of intensive sport activity on aortic elasticity and its effect on LV contractility could explain the findings as well (24). In a recent study, adaptive changes of LV circular function of the apical and midventricular LV fibers and longitudinal motion of the basal septum and LV anterior wall due to aortic stiffness were found in elite athletes (24).…”

“…The impact of intensive sport activity on aortic elasticity and its effect on LV contractility could explain the findings as well (24). In a recent study, adaptive changes of LV circular function of the apical and midventricular LV fibers and longitudinal motion of the basal septum and LV anterior wall due to aortic stiffness were found in elite athletes (24). Moreover, factors affecting inflow from the left atrium via the mitral valve and outflow in the aorta (like its elasticity) via the aortic valve may have significant effects and could influence the results, as well.…”

Bal kamrai deformitás: az aktív élsporthoz és az acromegaliához köthető eltérések hasonlóságai és különbségei.

“…A bal kamrai deformáció tekintetében a radiális, longitudinális és circumferentialis irányú kontraktilitás eltérései jellemzőek lehetnek bizonyos sportágakra [20]. Sőt az aorta merevségének és a bal kamrai deformáció eltéréseinek összefüggései is ismertek [31]. A fenti tényeknek megfelelően joggal adódhat a kérdés, milyen hasonlóságok és különbségek igazolhatók az acromegaliás és a nagy dinamikájú sportot űző élsportolók bal kamrai kontraktilitását jellemző, 3DSTE során meghatározott bal kamrai strainekben és rotációs paraméterekben.…”