Echocardiographic parameters in athlete and nonathlete offspring of hypertensive parents.

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.