sport and health

Heart of the cyclist

Curated by Luigi Ferritto (1)

The heart supports us in our daily efforts and is modified according to the type of efforts and activities we practice. Cycling, especially at a competitive level, causes adaptations on the cardiovascular system, such as the increase in the size of the chambers and of the cardiac walls and the improvement of circulation.

What occurs, however, should not worry, since it represents the contribution of our body to guarantee survival and health even under stress.

The adaptations to the heart muscle that can occur with the intense practice of cycling are called "athlete's heart". An expression that should not be frightening and should not limit anyone's sporting and competitive commitment.

Especially for competitive cyclists, athletic training and very intense efforts, made to achieve important goals, necessarily cause adaptations of the skeletal muscles and the cardiovascular system. These variations can normally also involve amateur cyclists who train following a competitive rhythm. The most frequent adaptations that can occur in the heart of cyclists include:

  • Modest (10%) increase in the left ventricular cavity
  • Symmetrical increase of the ventricular walls
  • Increase in left ventricular mass
  • Modest (24%) increase in the size of the right ventricle
  • Modest increase (16%) in the size of the atrium
  • Detection of "physiological" valve regurgitation
  • Detection of normal systolic function indices
  • Detection of normal or increased (during exercise) indexes of diastolic function
  • Detection of sinus bradycardia characterized by resting values ​​even lower than 40 bpm.

It should not be underestimated that cardiac remodeling can also be regulated by genetic and constitutional factors.

The study of cardiac adaptations due to the practice of cycling, and in general of any other sport, makes use of innovative and sophisticated methods such as echocardiography, with its multiple fields of interest, and magnetic resonance.

The circulatory system is also subjected to stress and changes. The heart, increasing its volume and its muscle mass will require a greater supply of blood and oxygen. Circulation at the peripheral level is strengthened following the effort, to ensure greater blood flow to the muscles in activity. Following resistance training, such as that of cyclists, there is an increase in the size of the coronary arteries.

Intense sporting activity should not be demonized for this. In any case, it is necessary to know the cardiovascular adaptations against which you practice sports like cycling and give due weight to prevention and periodic checks.

For correspondence: Dott. Luigi Ferritto

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