Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and heart remodeling in sambo veterans

Introduction. The benefits of exercise for the cardiovascular system are apparent. However, the influence of predominantly strength exercises throughout life has not been sufficiently studied. This work details the studies around the structure and function of the heart in sambo veteran athletes residing in the Russian Federation (RF) and the Azerbaijan Republic (AR) as well as the frequency of risk factors for their cardiovascular system.
Methods. We examined 55 male athletes aged 45.4 ± 8.3 yrs: 24 sambo veterans from RF (group “RF”), 10 sambo veterans from AR (group “AR”) and 21 persons representing control group (“CG”) (chess, bowling), RF. Questionnaires, analysis of ideal health factors, recording of electrocardiogram in 12 leads, echocardiography, stress test with oxygen analysis were carried out.
Results. Maximum exercise power and peak oxygen consumption were higher in the “RF” and “AR” groups compared to the “CG” group. The main abnormalities were hypertrophy of interventricular septum (n = 11, 32.3 %) and left ventricular wall (n = 3, 8.8 %). Concentric left ventricular remodeling was predominant in the “AR” group (5 vs. 1, p < 0.05) and greater left ventricular volume in the “RF” group (65.1 vs. 52.0 ml/m2, p < 0.05). Lower physical performance and the presence of dyslipidemia were significantly associated with parameters reflecting concentric left ventricular remodeling (“AR” group). Various ideal health factors were absent in 10–80 % of the examinees. A total of 7 (20.6 %) veterans were found to have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases according to the questionnaire.
Conclusion. Prolonged wrestling exercises allow veterans to maintain high aerobic capacity. Concentric remodeling of myocardium of the left ventricle is combined with higher indices of dyslipidemia in the group “AR” which may be connected to low physical activity and eating habits after sport practice.

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