Objective: To assess the cardiac structure and function of elite swimmers in Shanghai Swimming Team. Subjects and methods: Echocardiography was used to study the cardiac structure and function of 32 elite swimmers (12 males and 20 females) and 40 ordinary people (20 males and 20 females). Results: The AOD, LAAPD, LVEDD, LVESD, IVSD, LVPWD, LVM, LVMI of elite swimmers were all better than the general population (P<0.05), the difference being statistically significant. The LVEDV and LVESV were significantly higher than the general population (P<0.05), while the LVEF and LVFS were lower than the general population. Moreover, there was significant difference in the male group (P<0.05), but not in the female group (P>0.05). The LVSV of both male and female athletes was significantly higher than that of the general population (P<0.05), while the LVCO was not significantly different from that of the general population (P>0.05). Conclusion: The hearts of the elite swimmers in Shanghai were physiologically remodeled with endurance and strength. Their cardiac function was significantly enhanced with a strong heart rate reserve. These indexes can be used to draft elite swimmers. |