An echocardiographic study of acute, progressive cardiac changes following a 246 km running race.

We describe the case of an ultra-marathon runner who finished first the "Spartathlon", a 246 km running race. The finishing time was the second fastest time ever in "Spartathlon". After finishing the race, the athlete suffered non-cardiac syncope and was administered intravenously 3 L of fluids for 5 hours.

Early Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction, Reduced Baroreflex Sensitivity, and Cardiac Autonomic Imbalance in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users.

The effects of androgen anabolic steroids (AAS) use on athletes' cardiac autonomic activity in terms of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and heart rate variability (HRV) have not yet been adequately studied. Furthermore, there is no information to describe the possible relationship between the structural and functional cardiac remodeling and the cardiac autonomic nervous system changes caused by AAS abuse. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of long-term AAS abuse on cardiac autonomic efficacy and cardiac adaptations in strength-trained athletes.

Impact of a 246 Km ultra-marathon running race on heart: Insights from advanced deformation analysis.

Although previous studies suggest that prolonged intense exercise such as marathon running transitorily alters cardiac function, there is little information regarding ultramarathon races. Aim of this study was to investigate the acute impact of ultra-endurance exercise (UEE) on heart, applying advanced strain imaging. Echocardiographic assessment was performed the day before and at the finish line of "Spartathlon": A 246 Km ultra-marathon running race.

Exploring the determinants of the cardiac changes after ultra-long duration exercise: The echocardiographic Spartathlon study.

Aim: The investigation of the pathophysiological determinants of cardiac changes following ultra-long duration exercise.

Methods: Twenty-seven runners who finished a 246 km running race were examined both before and after the finish of the race. Examinations included echocardiography and measurement of body weight and blood biochemical parameters.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of noncardiac syncope in athletes.

Objective: The investigation of the differences in orthostatic responses of individuals with a history of noncardiac syncope(NCS) between athletes and nonathletes.

Methods: A passive tilt test for 30min was performed in 133 athletes (54 with NCS, 79 without NCS) and 48 nonathletes (15 with NCS, 33 without NCS). We performed measurement of haemodynamic, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity parameters.

A novel strategy for evaluating tilt test in athletes with syncope.

Background: The tilt test is used for the diagnosis of reflex syncope (RS) and is characterized by low sensitivity, especially in athletes. The objective of the study was the implementation of a novel diagnostic strategy for the tilt test without pharmacologic provocation in athletes based on haemodynamic criteria.

Methods: A passive tilt test for 30 min was performed in 132 athletes (53 with a history of RS, 79 without RS).

Eighteen years' experience applying old and current strategies in the pre-participation cardiovascular screening of athletes.

Introduction: Cardiovascular pre-participation screening (PPS) is recommended for the identification of athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death. However, there is currently no universally accepted screening protocol.

Methods: Two distinct PPS strategies were studied in a large cohort of Greek athletes (5 to 39 years old): PPS I, with routine 12-lead ECG and echo, in addition to personal and family history, and physical examination; and PPS II, without routine echo.

Functional and psychosocial effects of either a traditional dancing or a formal exercising training program in patients with chronic heart failure: a comparative randomized controlled study.

Objective: To compare the effects of traditional dancing with formal exercise training in terms of functional and cardiovascular benefits and motivation in patients with chronic heart failure.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Sports Medicine Laboratory.