Original article
Preservation of Ventricular Function in Amateur Athletes After Completion of a Marathon

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.echo.2005.08.013Get rights and content

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the development of impaired systolic function and new segmental wall motion abnormalities following completion of ultraendurance events. Limited information is available on the effect of an endurance event such as a marathon on the left ventricular indices and hemodynamics.

Methods

We examined 45 patients (26 men, 19 women with the average age of 35± 8 years) who successfully trained and completed the 2001 Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles). Transthoracic 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography (TTE) was preformed prior to the marathon (17±10.7 days), immediately following the marathon (71±42 minutes), and at follow-up (29±12.9 days).

Results

Left ventricular end diastolic volumes declined immediately post marathon and returned to baseline at the one-month follow-up. Ejection fraction was maintained and no regional wall motion abnormalities were identified at any time point. Diastolic parameters decreased immediately post marathon but returned to baseline during follow-up principally reflecting a change in volume status.

Conclusion

Marathon running by a group of well-trained recreational athletes does not result in impairment of left ventricular systolic or diastolic function.

Section snippets

Data Collection and Patient Recruitment

This study was approved by our institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from each participant before enrolling in the study.

In all, 51 participants training for the 2001 Chicago Marathon were recruited and enrolled in the study from Chicago-area running groups, including the Chicago Area Runners Association and local running stores. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, known cardiovascular disease, and use of any cardiovascular drug. In all, 45 participants successfully

Results

In all, 45 participants (26 men, 19 women; age 24-55 years, average age 35 ± 8 years) successfully completed the marathon and underwent all 3 echocardiograms (Table 1). The mean marathon completion time was 4 ± 0.7 hours. All participants were without documented cardiovascular disease and the majority was of a normal body habitus. The total number of runners in the marathon was 29,185, of which 28,703 finished the race. The average finish time was 4:19:28 hours, which is similar to the average

Discussion

We have demonstrated the preservation of ventricular function in a moderately large group of participants after completion of a marathon.

References (12)

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Supported in part by a grant from the unrestricted funds of the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, and a Scientist Development Grant from the American Heart Association (Drs Rigolin and Seghatol).

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