Electrical Cardiometry and Cardiac Biomarkers in 24-h and 48-h Ultramarathoners

Int J Sports Med. 2021 Oct;42(11):1035-1042. doi: 10.1055/a-1380-4219. Epub 2021 Mar 9.

Abstract

Our study aimed to (i) utilize novel electrical cardiometry and observe acute changes in cardiac biomarkers among 24-h and 48-h ultra-marathoners, and (ii) examine whether alterations in cardiac responses were associated with the average running speed of these participants. Twenty-four 24-h and sixteen 48-h ultra-marathoners were recruited. Electrical cardiometry in the 2 groups showed significant post-race drops in systolic pressure (24-h: p=0.001; 48-h: p=0.016) and rapid increases in heart rate (24-h, p=0.004; 48-h, p=0.001). Cardiac output increased in 48-h runners (p=0.012) and stroke volume decreased in 24-h runners (p=0.009) at post-test. Six of 20 (30%) 24-h and 4 of 16 (25%) 48-h runners had high-sensitivity troponin T values above the reference interval after the races. N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide levels showed a 15-fold increase in 24-h runners and a 10-fold increase in 48-h runners at post-race. There was a positive correlation between delta N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide and running mileage (rs=0.629, p=0.003) in 24-h ultra-marathoners. In conclusion, stroke volume and cardiac output showed inconsistent changes between the 2 groups. Average running speed has a significant effect on post-exercise elevation in cardiac biomarkers.

Our study aimed to (i) utilize novel electrical cardiometry and observe acute changes in cardiac biomarkers among 24-h and 48-h ultra-marathoners, and (ii) examine whether alterations in cardiac responses were associated with the average running speed of these participants. Twenty-four 24-h and sixteen 48-h ultra-marathoners were recruited. Electrical cardiometry in the 2 groups showed significant post-race drops in systolic pressure (24-h: p=0.001; 48-h: p=0.016) and rapid increases in heart rate (24-h, p=0.004; 48-h, p=0.001). Cardiac output increased in 48-h runners (p=0.012) and stroke volume decreased in 24-h runners (p=0.009) at post-test. Six of 20 (30%) 24-h and 4 of 16 (25%) 48-h runners had high-sensitivity troponin T values above the reference interval after the races. N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide levels showed a 15-fold increase in 24-h runners and a 10-fold increase in 48-h runners at post-race. There was a positive correlation between delta N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide and running mileage (rs=0.629, p=0.003) in 24-h ultra-marathoners. In conclusion, stroke volume and cardiac output showed inconsistent changes between the 2 groups. Average running speed has a significant effect on post-exercise elevation in cardiac biomarkers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletes
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Cardiac Output
  • Female
  • Heart / physiology*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marathon Running / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood
  • Peptide Fragments / blood
  • Stroke Volume
  • Troponin T / blood

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Troponin T
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain