Arterial Function after a 246 km Ultra-marathon Running Race

Abstract

There is little research about the effects of ultra-endurance exercise on arterial morphological and functional properties. The aim was to assess the acute changes of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid doppler-derived parameters following an ultra-marathon race as well as the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in ultra-marathon runners. Twenty athletes were examined at baseline and within 10 mins after a 246 km running race. Measurements included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocities of carotid artery blood flow, pulsatility and resistivity indices and blood biochemical parameters. The intima-media thickness of the right and left carotid artery was measured before the race. Arterial stiffness and carotid artery intima media thickness at rest remained within known normal limits. The ultra-marathon race significantly increased carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity by 22.6% and pulsatility index by 10.2%. There was a decrease in body weight by 3.35% and an increase of all biochemical markers of muscle damage after the race. Additionally, C-reactive protein was correlated with both pulsatility and resistivity indices post-race. This study shows that immediately after a 246 km ultra-marathon running race, acute increase of arterial stiffness and vascular resistance were evident. The carotid artery thickness of ultra-marathon runners was within normal range.

Exercise-induced Hypertension and Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Male Marathon Runners

“…Nevertheless, studies regarding the indicators of carotid atherosclerosis in long-distance runners have reported varying results. Koutlianos et al [26] found that immediately after the 246 km ultra-marathon race, there was an acute increase in arterial stiffness and vascular resistance, but the carotid artery thickness of ultramarathon runners was within normal range. NBPG: normal blood pressure group, EIHG: exercise-induced hypertension group, CHG: complex hypertension group, HR: Heart Rate, BPM: beat per minute, SBP: systolic blood pressure, DBP: diastolic blood pressure, diff: means the difference between peak and resting, †: Significant difference compared to NBPG (P < 0.05), §: Significant difference compared to EIHG (P < 0.05).…”

“…Nevertheless, studies regarding the indicators of carotid atherosclerosis in long-distance runners have reported varying results. Koutlianos et al 26 found that immediately after the 246 km ultra-marathon race, there was an acute increase in arterial stiffness and vascular resistance, but the carotid artery thickness of ultra-marathon runners was within normal range. Kroger et al 27 reported the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in both the carotid and peripheral arteries of marathon runners, while Galetta et al 28 reported that carotid IMT was lower in elderly long-distance runners compared to an age-matched control group.…”