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Echocardiographic Parameters in Athlete and Nonathlete Offspring of Hypertensive Parents
Author(s) -
Horváth Patrícia,
Kneffel Z.S.,
Lénárd Zsuzsanna,
Kispéter Z.S.,
Petrekanits M.,
Pavlik G.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
echocardiography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1540-8175
pISSN - 0742-2822
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2007.00551.x
Subject(s) - offspring , medicine , cardiology , blood pressure , left ventricular hypertrophy , family history , physical therapy , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Background: According to several reports, some cardiovascular signs of hypertension (left ventricular [LV] hypertrophy, impaired diastolic filling) can be found in the normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents. It is also well known that regular physical exercise decreases the risk of hypertension. Aim: The aim of the present study is to determine whether or not regular physical training influences these early hypertensive traits in the offspring of hypertensive parents. Methods: Echocardiographic data of 215 (144 males, 71 females) 22‐ to 35‐year‐old nonathlete and athlete offspring of hypertensive (positive family history, FH+) and normotensive parents (negative family history, FH–) were compared in a cross‐sectional design. Results: In the nonathlete FH+ males and females, LV dimensions were not larger than in the FH– subjects. The E/A quotient was lower in the FH+ subjects in both genders. Absolute and heart rate adjusted isovolumetric relaxation times were slightly longer in the FH+ men than in their FH– peers. No differences were seen between athlete FH– and FH+ subjects. Conclusion: Regular physical exercise decreases the incidence of the adverse cardiac signs, which can be associated with hypertension in the normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents.