Coronary Atherosclerosis in Masters Athletes: Mechanisms and Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Risk

AbstractPurpose of reviewThis manuscript reviews the data on the mechanisms and significance of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in masters athletes. It describes recent advances in understanding the biological pathway for the development and progression of ASCVD in athletes. It also reviews salient clinical trials, guidelines on managing ASCVD in masters athletes, and future research directions.Recent findingsRecent data have produced controversy as to whether high levels of physical activity and endurance training can promote ASCVD. Longstanding, vigorous endurance exercise may increase the development of calcified and non-calcified coronary plaques. There are no clinical trials to inform clinicians on how to manage masters athletes with occult ASCVD. We provide a review of the data on ASCVD in older athletes, the risks and benefits of exercise in active individuals with ASCVD, and our approach to evaluating and managing these patients.SummaryVigorous physical exertion transiently increases the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and sudden cardiac death in patients with ASCVD. New research has demonstrated increases in both calcified and non-calcified plaque in athletes, although the dominant plaque type is usually calcific. The mechanisms mediating this possible increase in atherosclerosis in active individuals is uncertain, as is the prognostic implications of the increased atherosclerosis. The predominance of calcified plaque may indicate that coronary p...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research