Global cardiac functional adaptation in male active athletes as determined by Tei index

ABSTRACT

It has been known for a long time that physical conditioning induces numerous cardiovascular adaptations which characterize the [athletic heart]. Therefore, the present study was directed to study the adaptation of prolonged physical training [more than two years, for at least ten hours per week], on the function of the heart in a group of normal active Egyptian power and endurance athletes. The study had been conducted in the Cardiology Department, Suez Canal University Hospital. The study had been conducted on 27 Power active athletes, 27 Endurance active athletes and 27 control subjects in Ismailia Governorate Clubs. The following parameters were recorded Weight in kilogram, height in centimeter, body surface area [BSA], blood pressure and pulse. Echocardiographic parameters as Left ventricular end systolic and diastolic indexes, Left ventricular end systolic and diastolic volumes, Stroke volume, Cardiac output, Ejection fraction and E/A ratio. Global myocardial performance index [Tei index] was calculated as the sum of both contraction and relaxation isovolumetric periods, divided by the ejection time. The overall mean age of control group is 21.3 +/- 1.4 years, active endurance athletes 22.5 +/- 5.2 years, and for active power athletes 23.6 +/- 3.2 years. Systolic blood pressure was higher in power active athletes [though non-significant]. The heart rate was significantly lower in active athletes rather than in control subjects [p>0.05]. There were significant differences between control subjects and active athletes regarding stroke volume [SV] and cardiac output. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference found with respect to [EF] between active athletes and control subjects. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference exists with respect to [EF%] between Endurance active athletes, power active athletes and controls. Also there existed non-significant difference regarding the global myocardial function assessed by the Tei Index. There was no significant difference between active athletes and control subjects with respect to E/A ratio. But E/A ratio was significantly greater in endurance trained athletes than that in Power trained athletes. It is concluded that despite the striking left ventricular cavity enlargement in athletes there is no evidence of global systolic dysfunction or abnormal diastolic filling pattern. These findings are most consistent with the benign and physiological nature of athletic heart