Effect of isometric exercise on aortic regurgitation assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Abstract

Purpose: Although the presence of aortic regurgitation (AR) may be a handicap for sport practice, the effect of isometric exercice (IE) on AR and ventricular function jointly has not been assessed previously. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) may be useful on this purpose. Methods: We studied 20 asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe AR in the echocardiogram. We performed a CMR at rest and during the practice of a maximal IE (weight elevation with both legs). We analyzed changes in left and right ventricular function (by means of cineMR sequences) and in AR flow (by means of phase-constrast sequences). Results: During IE we noticed an increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure and cardiac output. We observed a decrease in end-diastolic and end-systolic volume in both ventricles, without significant changes in ejection fraction. Flow analysis of ascending aorta showed a decrease in left ventricular stroke volume, whereas regurgitant volume and regurgitant fraction did not change significantly (Table 1). View this table: Table 1 Conclusions: In patients affected of AR, IE did not produce a left ventricle volume overload. CMR is useful for the evaluation of haemodynamic repercussion of IE.