Left atrial geometric and functional remodeling in athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and its changes with the phases of atrial filling, and to examine the effect of exercise capacity on these parameters. Using two-dimensional echocardiography, LA volumes were measured in 30 male endurance runners and 30 age-matched sedentary men (controls). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured using a metabolic chart during exercise. LA reservoir, pump, and conduit functions, kinetic energy and force were calculated. We found that athletes had higher LA volume and volume index (except the conduit volume), LA passive emptying fraction, and LA total emptying fraction compared to control subjects. We observed positive correlations between: VO2max and LA passive emptying fraction (r = 0.49, p < 0.05); VO2max and LA active emptying fraction (r = 0.54, p < 0.05); VO2max and LA kinetic energy (r = 0.61, p < 0.05); and VO2max and LA force (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that atrial function reflects exercise capacity in athletes.