Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling in athletes and in special forces soldiers

Abstract Introduction Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is frequent in athletes. This adaptation is structurally manifested by an increase in cardiac dimensions and mass. Soldiers are also subject to intense physical exercise, although with different characteristics. Objective To compare exercise-induced cardiac remodeling in competitive athletes and in soldiers on a special forces training course. Methods We studied 17 soldiers (all male and Caucasian, mean age 21±3 years) who completed a special forces course and 17 basketball players (47.3% male, 64.7% Caucasian, mean age 21±3 years). Assessment included a transthoracic echocardiogram and analysis of myocardial mechanics. This assessment was performed at the beginning and end of the military course and the sports season, respectively. Results Cardiac remodeling was observed in both groups. The soldiers presented a predominantly eccentric pattern, with increased left ventricular (LV) size (49.7±3.2 vs. 52.8±3.4 mm; p 2 ; p Conclusion Cardiac remodeling was frequent, with an eccentric pattern in soldiers and a concentric pattern in basketball players. Myocardial deformation may represent a physiological adaptation to physical exercise.