Interaction Between Intraventricular Flow and Cardiac Mechanics Using 3D Echocardiography in Athletes and Sedentary Subjects
This research is investigating how the hearts of athletes change and adapt due to long-term exercise, a condition sometimes called 'athlete's heart.' These changes often involve the heart muscle becoming stronger and working more efficiently. The study aims to understand the complex relationship between how blood moves inside the heart and how the heart muscle itself works. Researchers will use special advanced 3D ultrasound scans to get a detailed view of the heart's shape, how its walls move, and how blood flows. By comparing 80 endurance athletes to 80 people who don't exercise much, they hope to get a better picture of these adaptations and how they lead to improved heart performance in trained individuals. This could help us better understand heart health in athletes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about understanding what happens to an athlete's heart after years of dedicated training. When someone exercises a lot, their heart muscle can grow stronger and become more efficient at pumping blood. This natural change is known as the 'athlete's heart.' The researchers want to look closely at how the blood flows inside the heart and how the heart muscles move, to see how these two things work together.
To do this, they’re using a very advanced type of ultrasound scan, called 3D echocardiography. This special scan allows them to get a detailed, moving picture of the heart from all angles. They can see not just the shape of the heart but also how its walls squeeze and relax, and how the blood swirls and moves through the different chambers. They want to compare these detailed measurements in athletes with those in people who don't do much physical activity.
The main goal is to figure out the exact connections between the way blood flows and the mechanics of the heart muscle in athletes. This could help us understand why an athlete's heart works so well and how these adaptations improve its overall performance. It might also help doctors tell the difference between a healthy 'athlete's heart' and other heart conditions that need medical attention.
Key takeaways
- This study looks at how exercise changes the heart (athlete's heart).
- It uses advanced 3D ultrasound to see how blood flows and heart muscles move.
- Compares 80 endurance athletes to 80 non-exercising people.
- Aims to understand how athletes' hearts work so efficiently.
- Involves a single, safe heart scan appointment.
- Participation helps future understanding of heart health.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for two main groups of people: endurance athletes and individuals who don't exercise much.
To be an endurance athlete in this study, you need to be between 18 and 45 years old and train for at least 10 hours every week. You must have been doing this level of training for at least the last five years. You also shouldn't have any known heart conditions or major risk factors for heart disease — for example, you shouldn't have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a very high body mass index.
For the group of people who don't exercise much, you also need to be between 18 and 45 years old. The main difference is that you shouldn't do more than three hours of physical activity per week. Like the athletes, you shouldn't have any known heart problems or risk factors for heart disease. The study cannot include pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who can't provide their consent, or those in prison.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 45 years old?
- Do you have no known heart disease?
- Do you have no major heart disease risk factors (like diabetes, high blood pressure, very high BMI)?
- If you're an athlete: Do you train at least 10 hours a week and have for 5+ years?
- If you're a non-athlete: Do you do less than 3 hours of physical activity a week?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you won't need to take any new medications. You will have a special heart scan called a 3D echocardiogram. This scan is similar to a regular ultrasound but provides more detailed, three-dimensional images of your heart. You'll lie on your left side while a healthcare professional places a small device on your chest to capture the images. This process is generally comfortable and non-invasive. The study involves a single visit for this assessment. The exact total duration of your involvement, including preparation and the scan itself, will be explained to you, but it typically involves a few hours for the full assessment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- LaPECVerified postcodeAvignon, France· Recruiting
- CHU MontpellierVerified postcodeMontpellier, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an 'athlete's heart'?
It's when your heart changes and adapts, often becoming stronger and more efficient, because of lots of regular exercise.
What is 3D echocardiography?
It's a special type of ultrasound scan that creates detailed, moving 3D pictures of your heart, showing how it looks and works.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It only involves a heart scan.
Is the heart scan safe?
Yes, echocardiography is a very safe and common test that doesn't use radiation.
How long will my involvement take?
You will need to attend one visit for the heart scan and assessments, which typically takes a few hours.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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