Assessment of myocardial function and cardiac performance using left ventricular global longitudinal strain in athletes after COVID-19: a follow-up study
التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
العنوان:
Assessment of myocardial function and cardiac performance using left ventricular global longitudinal strain in athletes after COVID-19: a follow-up study
BackgroundIt has not yet been conclusively determined whether reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) after COVID-19 contributes to a reduction in exercise capacity. Our own studies showed a possible mild myocardial involvement in the form of reduced LV GLS in athletes after COVID-19 compared with healthy athletes. The aims of this prospective follow-up study were to investigate the development of LV GLS over a 3-month period in athletes after COVID-19 and the possible relationship between LV GLS and physical performance.MethodsLV GLS was determined in four-, two-, and three-chamber views and assessed offline by a blinded investigator in 96 recreational athletes (mean age 33.15 ± 12.40 years, 53 male, peak VO2 38.82 ± 11.14 ml/min/kg) at a median of two (t0) and five months (t1) after COVID-19. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed on a bicycle ergometer on both examination dates.ResultsLV GLS improved significantly between t0 and t1 (t0 −18.82 ± 2.02 vs. t1 −19.46 ± 2.05, p