Exploratory insights from the right-sided electrocardiogram following prolonged endurance exercise |
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| Authors: | Rachel Lord Keith George John Somauroo Nikhil Jain Kristin Reese Martin D Hoffman |
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| Institution: | 1. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK;2. Countess of Chester Hospital, NHS Trust, Chester, UK;3. Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA;4. Department of Physical Medicine &5. Rehabilitatiion, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA |
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| Abstract: | Background: Prolonged strenuous exercise has a profound effect on cardiac function. The right heart may be more susceptible to this imposition; yet, right-sided chest leads have not been utilised in this setting. Methods: Thirty highly trained athletes at the 2014 Western States 100-mile Endurance Run from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California (body mass 68?±?12?kg, age 45?±?10?years, 57?±?15?miles per week) were recruited for the study. Pre- and post-race, a right-sided 12-lead ECG was obtained and data were extracted for P, R and S waves, J point, ST segment and T wave amplitude. Data were compared using Students T-test and statistical significance set as P?Results: There was a significant increase in P wave amplitude (29%) and QTc interval (4%) pre- to post-race from standard 12-lead ECG. From the right-sided12-lead ECG, a 23% (P?=?.01) and 38% (P?=?.03) increase in J point amplitude in V1R and V2R and a 22% (P?=?.05) increase in ST segment integral in V2R and V3R were evident. T wave inversion was evident in leads V2R–V6R in 50–90% of athletes, respectively. Close examination revealed marked heterogeneity in individual ECGs. Conclusions: Completion of a 100-mile ultra-marathon resulted in significant changes in the right-sided ECG alongside more marked responses in specific individuals. P wave, ST segment and T wave changes post-race are indicative of acute exercise-induced right heart electrical adaptation. |
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| Keywords: | Electrocardiogram right-sided ECG prolonged endurance exercise |
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