Objective: Some findings of left ventricular (LV) functions in athletes are controversial. On the other hand, studies concerning the right ventricle (RV) are limited. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of endurance training on LV and RV systolic and diastolic function.
Methods: A total of 60 (54 male, 6 female) athletes (mean age 20.7 +/- 2.5 years) and 60 (51 male, 9 female) healthy subjects (mean age 21.3 +/- 2.6 years) were included in the study. Standard echocardiographic examination and pulsed wave Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were performed.
Results: Except LV and RV ejection fraction, all M-mode echocardiographic parameters of the athletes were found to be significantly greater compared to untrained subjects. LV cavity dimension enlarged (> 55 mm) in 23 (38.4%) athletes but none of the controls. Of 54 male and 6 female athletes 33 (61.1%) and 5 (83.3%) had left vantricular hypertrophy. Athletes also had a greater RV free-wall thickness and mass index. None of the control subjects had either LV or RV hypertrophy. The mean LVMI/RVMI ratio was 3.77 +/- 1.59 and 3.40 +/- 1.32 in athletes and controls, respectively (p = 0.5). The mean E/A and Em/Am ratios and Sm velocities of both ventricles were significantly higher in athletes compared to untrained subjects (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our study shows that despite an increase in left and right ventricular mass indexes, the LVMI/RVMI ratio stays stable. Training results in a better systolic and diastolic function.