Biochemical and functional abnormalities of left and right ventricular function after ultra-endurance exercise

Abstract

Background: There is evidence that ultra-endurance exercise causes myocardial injury. The extent and duration of these changes remains unresolved. Recent reports have speculated that structural adaptations to exercise, particularly of the right ventricle, may predispose to tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Objective: To quantify the extent and duration of postexercise cardiac injury with particular attention to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Methods: 27 athletes (20 male, 7 female) were tested 1 week before, immediately after and 1 week after an ultra-endurance triathlon. Tests included cardiac troponin I (cTnI), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and comprehensive echocardiograp..