Cardiovascular Adaptation and Remodeling to Rigorous Athletic Training

Abstract

Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is a complex process by which the cardinal hemodynamic stresses of pressure and volume lead to a host of structural or functional adaptations. In aggregate, the constellation of changes that accompany this process serve to facilitate athletic performance by minimizing the cardiac work inherent in athletic activity. Although several key determinants of athletic cardiac adaptation have been described, observed variability across athlete cohorts remains an incompletely understood area. Ongoing and future work are required to further understand this process and ultimately to determine where the boundary lies between adaptive physiology and maladaptive disease.

Keywords: Cardiac remodeling; Endurance; Exercise; Sports.