Whereas mild and moderate exercise are associated with improved health outcomes, prolonged intense exercise is associated with transient right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Moreover, serious ventricular arrhythmias frequently co-exist with RV abnormalities in endurance athletes. The reason for this predisposition to RV injury is currently unclear. The purpose of my doctorate has been to study the hemodynamic factors during intense exercise. By comparing the RV and pulmonary circulation to its systemic counterpart, we have established that there is a greater proportionate increase in wall stress imposed on the RV. Therefore, the capacity of the pulmonary circulation to reduce afterload during exercise is important. I will describe a novel echocardiographic measure which is associated with favorable pulmonary resistance and compliance. Lastly, I will describe studies of genetic and inflammatory mediators of exercise related cardiac injury. |
