Lack of sex-specific differences in the associations between the dimensions of great vessels and exercise performance in amateur cyclists.

Background: Endurance training enhances exercise capacity and triggers cardiovascular adaptations in both males and females. We investigated the relationship between the dimensions of great vessels and exercise capacity in amateur cyclists while considering sex differences.

Methods: Using resting transthoracic echocardiography, we measured the dimensions of the main pulmonary artery (PA), aorta, and inferior vena cava (IVC) in 190 participants, who subsequently underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) until exhaustion.

Sex differences in the associations between right heart structure and peak exercise capacity parameters in amateur cyclists.

Right heart changes and their association with exercise capacity, including sex differences, are still being investigated. We analysed right heart structure and its relationship with exercise capacity parameters in amateur cyclists. A cross-sectional study involving 215 consecutive adult amateur cyclists, who underwent resting transthoracic echocardiography and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to exhaustion was performed.

Interrelationships between Peak Strain Dispersion, Myocardial Work Indices, Isovolumetric Relaxation and Systolic-Diastolic Coupling in Middle-Aged Healthy Subjects.

In echocardiography, peak strain dispersion (PSD) is the standard deviation of the time to peak longitudinal strain for each left ventricular (LV) segment during systole. It assesses the coordination and synchrony of LV segment contractility. Global work efficiency (GWE) and global wasted work (GWW) quantify LV myocardial work and, if impaired, the coupling between LV systolic contraction and early relaxation.