The effect of endurance training on left and right cardiac size and function in horses

In human medicine right and left heart changes are well documented in endurance athletes and have been associated with arrhythmias and sudden death. No information is available about the effect of endurance training on the right heart of horses. The objective was to evaluate the effect of endurance training on left and right cardiac size and function. Two-dimensional, M-mode and speckle tacking echocardiography was performed in 22 competing and 23 show Arabian horses of similar age, gender and weight. Systolic and diastolic right ventricular internal diameter (RVID), left ventricular internal diameter (LVID), right ventricular area (RVA) and left ventricular area (LVA) were significantly increased in the competing group. Left ventricular fractional area change (LVFAC) and right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) were not significantly different. Ratios that compared the dimensions of the right heart to those of the left, showed no disproportionate change of RVID or RVA. Pulmonary artery diameter increased significantly. Longitudinal systolic strain and strain rate of the mid lateral right ventricular free wall were significantly higher in the competing group. No other segmental strain or strain rate values, nor global or average strain showed significant changes. The increase in internal diameters and area is consistent with the hypothesis of an eccentric cardiac hypertrophy in endurance trained horses. No functional changes were detected, except for a higher longitudinal strain and strain rate in one right ventricular myocardial segment. The right heart showed eccentric hypertrophy but was not disproportionately more enlarged than the left heart.

Jaar van publicatie:2019

Toegankelijkheid:Closed