If you enjoy playing tennis or golf as a hobby, or if you exercise for your health, have you ever suddenly noticed that your resting pulse may have slowed down a little recently, or that you don't get tired as easily as before?
This may be one of the physiological adaptations caused by exercise known as "athlete's heart." In other words, it may be a sign of positive change from the heart.
In this column, we will explain everything from an overview of athlete's heart to the changes that occur in the body and the latest research findings.
〇What is athlete's heart?
Athlete's heart refers to a condition in which the structure and function of the heart change as a result of long-term exercise habits, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently.
This is not a disease, but a change that is medically known as "physiological adaptation."
〇What physiological changes occur in athlete's heart?
Specifically, the following changes may occur:
- Enlargement of the internal cavity of the left ventricle (and sometimes the right ventricle)
- Moderate increase in wall (muscle) thickness
- Maintaining or improving diastolic function (ability to receive blood)
- Decreased resting heart rate (tendency towards bradycardia)
Additionally, different types of exercise cause different changes in the heart.
During endurance exercise such as long-distance running, the "pumping capacity" increases (left ventricular enlargement), while during strength training, the "pumping pressure" increases (wall thickening).
In other words, these changes can be seen as a "sign of change" that indicates that your heart is adapting to exercise and is changing into a "state where it can work more efficiently."
〇"Exercise and Cardiac Adaptation" is attracting attention in the latest research
Recent studies have also reported many changes to the heart caused by moderate exercise habits.
According to the guidelines published in 2024 by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the heart of people who continue to exercise for a long period of time
It has been shown that this may improve "diastolic function (the ability to store blood)" and "stroke volume (the ability to pump blood)," which may also lead to a reduction in cardiovascular risk.
Furthermore, it has been reported to help maintain performance during competitive play and speed recovery from fatigue after exercise.
〇It is also important to know the difference between this and illness
Although athlete's heart is a "healthy change," not all changes in the heart are cause for concern.
For example, heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can show similar visual changes in terms of cardiac enlargement.
The big difference is that the changes in athlete's heart gradually return to normal once training stops.
Another characteristic is that there are no noticeable symptoms.
On the other hand, if you experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain during exercise, or fainting, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Summary
Athlete's heart is one of the "positive changes" that occur in the hearts of people who have been exercising for a long time.
Your heart will function better and you will be able to move with less strain.
This change will be a great help when it comes to enjoying sports and other hobbies for a long time.
On the other hand, understanding your physical condition, getting moderate exercise, and undergoing regular medical checkups are the keys to enjoying playing with peace of mind.
Let's develop a healthy sports lifestyle while getting along well with our bodies!
Author
Ryo Takahashi, Physical Therapist at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic
Supervision
Dr. Yasushi Sera, Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic
Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic