Isotonic exercise reduces aortic stiffness

Abstract

Objective: The structural characteristics of a healthy athlete's heart are quite different from those of normal individuals. Exercise induces hypertrophy in heart muscle as a normal biologic response to increased workload. The elastic properties of the aorta are important predictors of left ventricular structure and function. There is a paucity of studies in the literature on the effect of exercise on aortic stiffness. Our aim was to investigate the long-term effects of regular exercise on the elastic properties of the aorta. Material and Methods: Fifty-six athletes (43 male and 13 female, mean age 23 ± 1.7) and 46 sedentary subjects (36 male and 10 female, mean age 22.5 ± 1.5) were recruited. All subjects underwent physical examination and echocardiography study. Aortic root motion was measured during systole and diastole. Aortic stiffness, distensibility, and strain parameters-all indicators of aortic elasticity - were calculated. Results: Left ventricular mass index and ejection fraction were found to be higher in athletes than in controls (p < 0.001). Aortic distensibility index and strain parameters were likewise increased in athletes when compared to controls (5.8 ± 2.7 vs 4.7 ± 1.8 cm-2dyn-110-6, p < 0.05, 12.3 ± 2.4 vs 9.3 ± 3.1, p < 0.001, respectively). However, the aortic stiffness index was found to be lower in athletes than in controls (4.8 ± 1.9 vs 6.1 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Long-term regular exercise reduces aortic stiffness and thereby increases aortic elasticity. This finding might provide one explanation for the positive effects of regular exercise on left ventricular functions. Copyright © 2005 by Türkiye Klinikleri.