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. 2003 Apr 8;2(1):2.
doi: 10.1186/1476-5918-2-2.

Left ventricular systolic performance during prolonged strenuous exercise in female triathletes

Jonathan McGavock  1 , Mark Haykowsky, Darren Warburton, Dylan Taylor, Arthur Quinney, Robert Welsh
Affiliations

Left ventricular systolic performance during prolonged strenuous exercise in female triathletes

Jonathan McGavock et al. Dyn Med. .

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effect of prolonged strenuous exercise (PSE) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function has not been well studied in younger female triathletes. This study examined LV systolic function prior to, during and immediately following PSE (i.e., 40 km bicycle time trial followed by a 10 km run) in 13 younger (29 PlusMinus; 6 years) female triathletes. METHODS: Two-dimensional echocardiographic images were obtained prior to, at 30-minute intervals during and immediately following PSE. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, end-diastolic and end-systolic cavity areas were measured at each time point. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic measures were also combined to obtain LV end-systolic wall stress and myocardial contractility (i.e., systolic blood pressure - end-systolic cavity area relation). RESULTS: Subjects exercised at an intensity equivalent to 90 PlusMinus; 3% of maximal heart rate. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure - end-systolic cavity area relation and fractional area change increased while end-diastolic and end-systolic cavity areas decreased during exertion. CONCLUSIONS: PSE is associated with enhanced LV systolic function secondary to an increase in myocardial contractility in younger female triathletes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Heart rate response to prolonged strenuous exercise. Exercise refers to heart rates obtained during exercise. Echo refers to heart rates obtained during left ventricular imaging.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Left ventricular systolic performance in relation to wall stress prior to, one hour into and immediately following prolonged strenuous exercise.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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