Abstract

PurposeThe interaction of ageing and exercise training status on left-ventricular (LV) peak strain is unclear. Additionally, strain analysis across the entire cardiac cycle facilitates a more detailed assessment of deformation, yet this has not been implemented to characterize the ageing LV and in association with training status. This study investigated healthy ageing and training status on LV systolic and diastolic strain utilizing novel echocardiographic applications.MethodsForty healthy males were included and allocated into four groups; young recreationally active (YRA,n = 9; 28 ± 5 years), old recreationally active (ORA, n = 10; 68 ± 6), young trained (YT,n = 10; 27 ± 6 years), and old trained (OT, n = 11, 64 ± 4 years) groups. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to ascertain peak LV longitudinal and circumferential strain (base and apex) strain within each myocardial layer and at 5% increments across the cardiac cycle.ResultsOlder groups had lower diastolic longitudinal lengthening and circumferential expansion between 40–85% mid-diastole, regardless of training status (P < 0.05). Whereas, strain throughout systole was similar between groups (P > 0.05). Longitudinal and circumferential (base and apex) peak and layer-specific strain did not differ between groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionNovel applications of diastolic strain revealed lower age-associated LV longitudinal lengthening and circumferential expansion in older age. Yet, diastolic strain profiles did not differ based on chronic habits of exercise training and, thus, older trained men did not demonstrate an attenuation of age-associated differences in mid-diastolic LV strain.

Highlights

  • The left ventricle (LV) is characterized by structural and functional modifications with advancing age, including increased wall thickness and reductions in diastolic function (Lakatta and Levy 2003)

  • Older groups were shorter than younger cohorts, but height did not differ between trained and recreationally active (RA)

  • BMI, and BSA did not differ between ages; all were lower in trained than RA

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Summary

Introduction

The left ventricle (LV) is characterized by structural and functional modifications with advancing age, including increased wall thickness and reductions in diastolic function (Lakatta and Levy 2003). Studies have identified that with healthy ageing, longitudinal strain may decline (Dalen et al 2010; Sun et al 2013; Hung et al 2017; Alcidi et al 2018) or remain relatively constant (Yingchoncharoen et al 2013; Kocabay et al 2014; Nagata et al 2017). The most recent versions of STE software enable the identification of strain within three myocardial layers to ascertain mechanical (dys) function (Sharif et al 2018), through layer-specific analysis. The influence of ageing on longitudinal strain is debated, the transmural gradient (endocardium-to-epicardium difference/ ratio) appears to be preserved with advancing age (Nagata et al 2017; Alcidi et al 2018)

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