Abstract
We aimed to determine whether an Ironman distance triathlon resulted in sustained
myocardial injury detected by electrocardiography, biochemical markers or echocardiographic
assessment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Electrocardiograms,
blood for analysis of creatine kinase (CK) and its MB fraction, cardiac troponin
I (cTnI) and echocardiograms were obtained in 15 male athletes prior to and at
a mean of 4.7 days after competing in the Australian Ironman Triathlon. Regional
wall motion scores, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and mitral inflow
parameters were determined from the echocardiograms by a blinded investigator.
Levels of cTnI were undetectable in all athletes and total CK was mildly elevated
in 7/15 athletes prior to the event. Baseline wall motion, ejection fraction and
diastolic filling were normal in all athletes. CK levels were increased post-race
(p < 0.05) with a mean post-race level of 451U/l. Levels of cTnI were undetectable
post-race in 14 athletes with a level of 0.9 µg/l recorded in one athlete, although
all were within the laboratory’s normal range for the assay. Mitral inflow parameters
and LVEF did not change post-race and regional wall motion was normal in 14 of
15 athletes. Regional wall motion abnormalities detected in 1 athlete had resolved
by 25 days post-race. These findings indicate that ultraendurance exercise does
not result in sustained myocardial injury in this group of elite athletes.
Key words
Human - endurance exercise - echocardiography - cardiac enzymes
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Dr. D. Prior
Cardiac Investigation Unit · St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
PO Box 2900 · Fitzroy 3065 · Australia ·
Phone: +613 9288 4423
Fax: +613 9288 4422
Email: priordl@svhm.org.au