Age impacts left atrial functional remodeling in athletes.

Abstract

AimAge-associated changes in cardiac filling and function are well known in the general population. Yet, the effect of aging on left atrial (LA) function, and its interaction with left ventricular (LV) adaptation, remain less described when combined with high-intensity chronic training. We aimed to analyze the effects of aging on LA and LV functions in trained athletes.Methods and resultsNinety-five healthy highly-trained athletes referred for resting echocardiography were included. Two groups of athletes were retrospectively defined based on age: young athletes aged ConclusionsRegardless of chronic sports practice, master athletes exhibited age-related changes in LA function closely coupled to LV diastolic properties, which led to LV filling shifts to late diastole.