Arterial hypertension and results of cardiovascular ultrasound in veteran athletes

• Tsareva Marina O.
• Shmoylova Anna S.
• Shvarts Yuriy G.

Abstract

The aim was to analyze the changes in blood pressure measured before and after the physical exertion experienced by veteran athletes, in conjunction with the results obtained due to ultrasound of their heart and neck vessels.

Material and methods. The 200 competitive athletes aged 40 to 72 years were questioned in order to identify the main factors of cardiovascular risk. They also underwent the measurement of their pre-exercise (standing/resting) and post-exercise blood pressure; and ultrasound of their heart and neck vessels. It's necessary to mention that all measurements and results obtained under this research were treated with regard to the diagnosis of arterial hypertension, prior determined by a physician.

Results. 48% of all the examined athletes were diagnosed with the pre-exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) exceeding 139 mm Hg and 42% of the same with the pre-exercise diastolic blood pressure (DBP) exceeding 89 mm Hg. After the physical activities, 39% of all the examined athletes were diagnosed with the elevated post-exercise SBP, and 36% of the same with the elevated post-exercise DBP.

According to ultrasound, the average size of the heart chambers and the diameter of the neck vessels were found within normal limits. 48% of the examined veteran athletes were diagnosed with the left ventricular hypertrophy of the left ventricle, and 61% of the same were diagnosed with the diastolic dysfunction. Those initial stage abnormalities were detected in almost all the examined athletes. The majority of patients diagnosed with the left ventricle hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction were also diagnosed with arterial hypertension (81% and 92% accordingly). 80% of the examined athletes were diagnosed with normal CIMT (Carotid intima-media thickness).

The elevated post-exercise DBP values were associated with a higher incidence of diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, relatively high values of the left ventricular mass index, left atrial size and left CIMT.

Conclusion. Almost half of the athletes in their middle and late adulthood are diagnosed with arterial hypertension. One third of those athletes with no previous history of hypertension are detected with blood pressure exceeding 139/89 mm Hg both prior and after physical exertion. Increase in DBP rather than in SBP during the early recovery period is associated with cardiovascular risk markers, such as: the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and increased CIMT.

Keywords:arterial hypertension, veteran athletes, cardiovascular risk, physical exertion

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