Repolarization heterogeneity during strenous exercise in hypertensive patients and strenght-trained athletes

Abstract

The interlead variation in QT interval (QT dispersion) can be used to assess regional inhomogeneity of ventricular repolarization. The spectrum of left ventricular adaptation to exercise, different types of hypertrophy patterns, and QT dispersion in different types of hypertrophy was investigated. We studied 23 male elite wrestlers, 30 patients with high-normal hypertensive and 30 gender-matched normal adults. Firstly, we measured echocardiographic parameters and then all subjects were performed strenuous exercise test and 12 lead ECG was taken at first minute of recovery period. Left ventricular mass and mass index were found to be significantly higher in athletes. However QT dispersion values at peak exercise were found to be decreased in the athlete group compared with hypertensive group (mean ::L SE, 38.8 +/- 3.3 versus 65.3 +/- 5.2 ms, respectively, p<0.01). Left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes is not cause to increase of repolarization heterogeneity. The measurement of QT dispersion could provide a screening method for cardiac problems in athletes.