RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS IN 12-17 YEARS-OLD ATHLETES

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of long-term physical load on changes in left ventricular morphometric and cardiovascular functional parameters, to analyse their relationship in child and adolescent athletes. A total of 167 trained athletes aged 12–17 years and 168 healthy nonathletic children and adolescents aged 12–17 years were involved in this study. M-mode echocardiography were used to evaluate cardiac dimensions. Left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index were calculated. All participants performed a graded exercise test (Mc. Master) on a cycle ergometer. 12 ECG standard derivations were synchronically recorded every second minute. During cycle ergometer heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were evaluated at rest and at peak of exercise. All absolute echocardiographic parameters were significantly greater than analogous parameters in the control group. HR at rest was lower in athletes than in subjects from the control group During the maximal physical load, systolic blood pressure was higher in athletes than in controls. LV mass was associated with systolic blood pressure and heart rate at rest. The association between systolic blood pressure and LV mass during the maximal load was stronger than at rest.