Echocardiographic assessment of systolic and diastolic functions in athletic hearts

To evaluate the effects of relatively long term, minimum 3 years physical training on left ventricular [LV] systolic and diastolic functions, a total of 80 subjects [S] with age ranging between 18-40 years, were classified into 4 groups [G] and studied. GI, isometric exercise [20] S, GII, isotonic exercise [20] S, GIII, subjects retired for 3 years from endurance sporting program for at least 33 years. GIIIa, retired from isometric exercise [10] S, GIIIb, retired from isotonic exercise [10] Ss, IV, control [20] S. Clinical, ECG and Echo-Doppler examinations were done. Compared to the control G, GI and GII has significantly decreased heart rates, GI had significant increase in LV posterior wall thickness, while GII and IIb had significant increase in end diastolic dimensions or EDD. Left atrial size, LV mass, pulmonary peak velocity [PFV] and average acceleration were significantly increased in GI, II and III. Ejection fraction [EF] and mitral deceleration half-time were significantly increased in GII. Compared to GIIIa, PFV, mitral peak velocity; time velocity integral; deceleration time and deceleration half time as well as aortic time velocity itegral and average acceleration were significantly increased in GI. Compared to GIIIb, only tricuspid peak E. velocity was significantly increased in GII. In conclusion, the changes in systolic function in athletes in practice, GI and II are minimal except for EF which was increased in GII secondary to an increase in FDD. The changes in diastolic function are due probably to the increase in LV mass. Both of them did not return to the pre-exercise levels especially in GIIIb

Some epidemiological features of addiction among industrial workers in Zagazig area, Sharkia Governorate

5378 industrial workers in Zagazig area were interviewed and examined by a questionnaire and urine screening for detection of drug dependence. These revealed 663 drug dependend workers [12.3%]. The latter group was further subjected to medical examination, liver function testing and personality scaling. The dependent workers were all males, relating mainly in the middle age group and with neurotic personality. The dependent workers were abused tobacco [45%], hashish [15.6%], caffiene [11.9%], simple analegesics [11.9%] and tobacco and caffiene [11.3%]. Alcohol and benzodiazepines were misused by 3.3% and 0.9% of addicts, respectively. The drug dependence had adverse effects on social life, general health and liver function of abusers when compared with control group. The drug dependent workers showed a higher mean value of days-off-work than non dependent. Moreover, the productivity and the quality of their work were adversely affected by their habit of drug abusing