Early repolarization, left ventricular diastolic function, and left atrial size in professional soccer players

Wilhelm M, Brem M, Rost C, Klinghammer L, Hennig F, Daniel W, Flachskampf F (2010)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2010

Journal

American Journal of Cardiology Elsevier

Book Volume: 106

Pages Range: 569-574

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2010.03.072

Abstract

Recent data have suggested a relation among long-term endurance sport practice, left atrial remodeling, and atrial fibrillation. We investigated the influence of an increased vagal tone, represented by the early repolarization (ER) pattern, on diastolic function and left atrial size in professional soccer players. Fifty-four consecutive athletes underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, and exercise testing as part of their preparticipation screening. Athletes were divided into 2 groups according to presence or absence of an ER pattern, defined as a ST-segment elevation at the J-point (STE) <0.1 mm in 2 leads. For linear comparisons average STE was calculated. Mean age was 24 ± 4 years. Twenty-five athletes (46%) showed an ER pattern. Athletes with an ER pattern had a significant lower heart rate (54 ± 9 vs 62 ± 11 beats/min, p = 0.024), an increased E/e′ ratio (6.1 ± 1.2 vs 5.1 ± 1.0, p = 0.002), and larger volumes of the left atrium (25.6 ± 7.3 vs 21.8 ± 5.0 ml/m2, p = 0.031) compared to athletes without an ER pattern. There were no significant differences concerning maximum workload, left ventricular dimensions, and systolic function. Univariate regression analysis revealed significant correlations among age, STE, and left atrial volume. In a stepwise multivariate regression analysis age, STE and e′ contributed independently to left atrial size (r = 0.659, p <0.001). In conclusion, athletes with an ER pattern had an increased E/e′ ratio, reflecting a higher left atrial filling pressure, contributing to left atrial remodeling over time. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Authors with CRIS profile

Matthias Brem Medizinische Fakultät Lutz Klinghammer Department of Medicine 2 – Cardiology and Angiology Friedrich Hennig Unfallchirurgische Abteilung in der Chirurgischen Klinik Werner Daniel Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin II

Involved external institutions

Universität Bern CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Wilhelm, M., Brem, M., Rost, C., Klinghammer, L., Hennig, F., Daniel, W., & Flachskampf, F. (2010). Early repolarization, left ventricular diastolic function, and left atrial size in professional soccer players. American Journal of Cardiology, 106(4), 569-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2010.03.072

MLA:

Wilhelm, Matthias, et al. "Early repolarization, left ventricular diastolic function, and left atrial size in professional soccer players." American Journal of Cardiology 106.4 (2010): 569-574.

BibTeX: Download